- Joe Haggerty of CSNNE: (mailbag) Jeremy Smith ($600,000) is the logical choice as the Bruins backup. Zane McIntyre could be a surprise out of camp, but is a long shot. Malcolm Subban isn’t ready yet. There is still a chance they look for a veteran free agent goalie.
On the Cody Franson close to signing with the Bruins, and if they are offering a two-year deal worth $4.7 million per season. Haggerty doesn’t think anything is imminent. Though they have the cap space, they don’t want to be right against the cap ceiling heading into the season. Also, the $4.7 million may be a low, as it might take more to get him signed. The Bruins were the only team out of “five or six,” that Franson named in a radio interview last week.
On the Bruins looking to trade for Jets defenseman Dustin Byfuglien. Cap space issue would arise again if the Bruins were to acquire Byfuglien. He’s entering the final year of his deal. He could temporarily fill the hole left by Dougie Hamilton.
If the Bruins make a trade for a defenseman, it will likely be closer to, or during training camp. They already have seven or eight NHL caliber defenseman under contract.
With the Bruins adding San Jose 2016 round pick, they could look to package their own first round pick for someone like Byfuglien, Brent Seabrook or another puck moving defenseman that might be available.
The Jets are likely looking for more than a 2016 first round pick and prospects for Byfuglien.
Wouldn’t be surprising if the Bruins traded Chris Kelly, but doubtful it would be for a defenseman. Kelly and his $3 million would be a salary dump for a draft pick. The Oilers could be a landing spot for Kelly.
Haggerty thinks that if the Bruins are to sign a free agent defenseman or trade for one, they would have to trade one of their current defenseman. If the Bruins were going to bring in Cody Franson, Dennis Seidenberg may have to be the guy they would have to move, but he holds a no-trade clause.
