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Should The Boston Bruins Trade Zdeno Chara?

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Zdeno Chara had been the heart and soul of the Boston Bruins for the past dozen years and one of the leagues best defenseman since joining the Bruins for the 2006-2007 season. This makes moving on from him all the more difficult. Chara has been a popular trade candidate when talking about who the Bruins could potentially look to deal to accumulate some more assets. While it may be hard to cope with the proposition of moving on from the captain of the Boston Bruins, it may be critical to rebuild the team.

A case for the trade

For starters, the Bruins are not that good.  Granted, injuries have derailed their season. But even with their full lineup, the ceiling for this team may be a wild card spot. The captain has been the Bruins best overall defenseman through the first part of the season. But at the age of forty, he is being wasted on a middle of the pack team. Chara is currently playing out the last year of his contract. While rumors surfaced earlier in the season about a possible extension, no move has been made. Perhaps a sign that Sweeny sees the end of the line for Chara, at least in Boston.

The Bruins can cash in on Chara and his resume, the six-time all star, Norris trophy winner, and Stanley Cup Champion would be the perfect asset for a contending team. Chara could make an immediate impact on any team. Imagine having him in a shut-down role on the second pairing simply to hit the teams top line all night long. This makes him extremely valuable, especially on the upcoming west coast trip.

The kings would be a perfect fit with Doughty leading the team as the clear number one defenseman. Chara would take some of the pressure off of Doughty, and allow the Kings to balance the minutes through the playoffs. It’s not unreasonable for the Bruins to expect at least a first-round pick and a prospect in return, so the Bruins should make the deal sooner then later.  Having Chara for an extra two months could be the difference between a top prospect and a mediocre one.

Just Say No

For starters, if the Bruins view themselves as legit contenders, trading Chara would be foolish. But luckily no one believes that.  But the Bruins do think they can make the postseason, and the Bruins love the revenue from those home playoff games. For those who thinks that’s a non-factor you have not payed attention to the Jacobs history as owners.

On the ice,  Chara provides invaluable experience for the young players, and also the leadership and accountability on and off the ice. McCavoy and Carlo have benefited from Chara’s presence.   He is a pro’s pro. Shows up, grinds it out and keeps his focus on hockey. For a team with so many young players, having a steady leadership core is critical.

Verdict

The Bruins won’t be a good team this year, so keeping a forty year old is a waste. Cash in on the asset and give Chara one last chance at another Cup.

BSE Week in Review

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Take a look at all the articles posted by the Boston Sports Extra crew from last week. Enjoy and restart the discussion!

 

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/mchales-musings-vol-4-whirlwind-week

@PatriotsExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/bennetts-rotator-cuff-injury

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/bennett-returns-to-new-england

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/breaking-down-wild-card-weekend

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/a-big-impact

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/college-quarterbacks-brady-successor

https://twitter.com/spot_bills/status/927618006527569920

https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2017/11/belichick-breaks-patriot-way-brady

https://bostonsportsextra.com/nfl/2017/11/injuries-actions-may-really-hurt-nfl-longterm

 

@BruinsExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/bruce-cassidy-keeping-bruins-season-afloat

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/boston-bruins-face-chicago-blackhawks-2019-winter-classic

https://bostonsportsextra.com/uncategorized/2017/11/different-feel-2011-stanley-cup-champs

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/grading-boston-bruins-aftter-first-month-nhl-season

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/bruins-inconsistencies-continue

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-bruins/2017/11/time-bruins-move-on-matt-beleskey

@CelticExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/celtics-big-man-problem-best-possible

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/lonzo-wednesday-secondary-storylines-carry-weight

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/nets-lakers-played-mattered

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/celtics-bench-stepping-amid-increased-pressure

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/boston-celtics-ups-downs-week-3

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-celtics/2017/11/celtics-have-signature-win

 

@RedSoxExtra News

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/new-red-sox-coaching-staff

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/best-catchers-red-sox-history

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/defense-michael-felger

https://bostonsportsextra.com/uncategorized/2017/11/mike-felger-rant

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/remembering-roy-halladay

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/red-sox-hot-stove-leaving-boston

https://bostonsportsextra.com/mlb/2017/11/alex-cora-excited-back

https://twitter.com/KathryneGayle/status/928091762677215233

https://bostonsportsextra.com/boston-red-sox/2017/11/best-relief-pitchers-red-sox-history

Bruins Injuries More Concerning Than They Seem

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Backes Injury


The Bruins cannot seem to catch a break this season, this time it’s not even on the ice. It seemed like the Bruins had finally figured it out on the ice, stringing some quality games together. They seem to have gotten their feet under them after the early injuries. Now the team has taken another major hit to the forward group. The Boston Bruins announced that David Backes would be placed on injury reserve. Backes will be out for a minimum of eight weeks.

At the start of the season, Backes missed time due to diverticulitis, a gastrointestinal disease. The power forward came back quicker than most anticipated, but is again sidelined, and will have colon surgery. Backes, who is now 33 years old, will be dearly missed on the ice. While he does not light up the score sheet, he provides a veteran presence. He has a toughness factor, which is crucial for the development of the younger kids.

Backes has shown signs of decline since joining the Bruins, most notably his speed. While Backes has never been fast, he also has not been a liability. Last season, Backes always seemed to be chasing the play. While it has looked a little better this season, going forward that will be a major concern.

Injuries Starting To Pile Up


With his injury, the Bruins roster has major holes. He joins the list along with Noel Acciari (broken finger), Ryan Spooner (groin), Adam McQuaid (broken leg), and David Krejci (back). Riley Nash skated as the Bruins second line centerman in practice. This alone should show that the Bruins are in scramble mode. The long term implications of the injuries should grab the attention of Bruins fans.

David Backes is 33, and the way he plays will only speed up his decline. Krejci is 31, and has had multiple injuries to his back/hip and has not lived up to the contract. On top of that, Bergeron 32, Rask 30, Mcquad 31, all have history of injury, and are only getting older. The Bruins future is supposed to be getting younger, and building a core for the next 5-10 years. In the mean time, the veterans are here to keep the team competitive, and relieve pressure for the young kids.

Instead, the veterans on this team cannot even get on the ice. The the team is rapidly starting to look like an AHL team. Boston is being forced into the youth movement. While Krejci and Backes get payed big money to sit in a press box, Sweeny has a lot of dead money on this roster. If the Bruins are going to advance in the rebuild, he has to make some moves.

Bruins Seek to Build Momentum

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by: @inlow005

Following a solid 2-1 win over the San Jose Sharks Thursday night, the Bruins look to further build some momentum as they host the “Best in the West” Los Angels Kings Saturday night.  With Anton Khudobin getting the nod over Tuukka Rask against San Jose, the Bruins edged out the Sharks in a defensive battle.  Rask, who has missed some time with a concussion, will most likely return to the net to face the Kings.

HEINEN’S HEROICS

More impressive than the defensive efforts of Boston Thursday night was the offensive performance from youngster Danton Heinen.  After being called up to the big stage earlier that morning, Heinen was the hero, notching both goals for the B’s.  With some lackluster penalties at the hands of Sean Kuraly, Heinen’s big-time play was essential for a struggling Bruins squad.  If the young gun can build off his impressive outing, Boston can certainly give Los Angeles some trouble at the Garden Saturday night.

Although relatively absent on Thursday, Brad Marchand provides another aspect of optimism for Boston fans moving forward.  In just eight games the long-time Bruin has tallied eleven points, leading the team in both goals and assists.  Aside from last night’s battle and a shutout loss to Colorado in early October, Marchand has assisted or scored in every game.  I expect to see further progression from Marchy throughout the next few weeks as he has established himself as a strong leader for the B’s.  With some production from the younger guys, Boston has the weapons to emerge as an offensive powerhouse.

FUELING THE FLAME

After big wins, the next big step is adding more fuel to the fire.  Boston has failed to win back-to-back games this year, deflating hope for both the fans and players.  Although facing Los Angeles is rarely fun, the reward of beating them would be immense.  If Boston can squeak past L.A. they will have finally broken their back-to-back win draught, and have done so against the best in the west.  In order to accomplish this feat, a few things need to happen… or would certainly help.

Rask needs to rebound- After missing a few games, Rask needs to come back with a powerful showing.  He faces an extremely tough offense, but has the opportunity to display his talent in front of home fans.

No silly goals- When playing a first-place team, almost everything has to go right.  The Bruins cannot afford to give up weak goals to the Kings.  They have had trouble with silly goals, but Saturday night this is especially inexcusable.

Find twine early- Nothing would be worse than starting off slow and digging a hole against the Kings at home.  If the Bruins can get on the board quick, they will draw the momentum necessary to take down a really strong squad.

Avoid the box- For Bruins viewers, this seems like a no-brainer.  But time and time again Boston ends up in the box when they shouldn’t.  Los Angeles will capitalize on PowerPlays, so best avoid them.

 

 

Bruins Notes: Bergeron and Edelman; Tuukka Rask

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The Bruins miss Patrice Bergeron like the Patriots miss Julian Edelman. They’re grasping at straws without Patrice Bergeron, their number-one center, not unlike the Patriots trying to replace Edelman’s production. For the Patriots, the result is a 3-2 start and an offense yet to really find their rhythm. For the Bruins and their 1-2 start, you’re witnessing the importance of  Bergeron to this Bruins team.

Back to the Bergeron. First it was Ryan Spooner centering the top line.  That didn’t work, and now the Bruins need to figure what to do with Spooner. He’s simply not progressing and you can’t keep a center on the team that only plays PP minutes. Last night it was Riley Nash, a career fourth-liner, and as predicted, not a good fit. Enter the real issue –  Bergeron’s natural replacemen, David Backes, is also on the shelf, David. Backes is a natural center forced to play wing for a team supposedly strong up the middle. Without Bergeron’s leadership, some of the younger guys will continue to struggle. If he is out a longer, look for the Bruins to recall JFK to the lineup.

Tuukka Rask

If you’re a Tuukka Rask hater, the season has started swimmingly for you.  Before you jump all over me, I get it.  The team hasn’t looked good, but that does not absolve Rask of his share of the blame. The puck he poorly played in Monday’s game is inexcusable. The player was not bearing down on him.  A terrible decision, making the game 3-0 and all but thwarted any chance of a Bruins comeback.  Soft goals continue to plague him, as they did in last year’s playoff series versus Ottawa. The season is young and maybe he just needs more time to find his game, but so far this season he is providing more fuel for his detractors.

Better Days Ahead

That’s the bad news. The good news? We’re three games into the season in which the entire league seems upside down. Vegas is 3-0, the Pens lost 10-1 and the Oilers, everyone’s pre-season Stanley Cup pick, is off to a slow start at 1-2. Bruins fans have zero patience — a staple of this fan base. But we’re going to have to dig deep and exercise some.  This team will right the ship.

Bruins Keys to Rematch with Avalanche

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by: @inlow005

Following a rough home loss at the hands of the Colorado Avalanche Monday, the Boston Bruins take the ice in Denver tonight for a shot at redemption. The impressive offensive outing from opening night evaporated Monday afternoon.   Many things need to change on both sides of the ice before the rematch with Colorado.

KREJCI NEEDS A REBOUND

While watching Boston’s opener last week, nobody stood out more to me than David Krejci.  He assisted three of the team’s four goals and went positive in the point differential column.  The chemistry displayed between veteran Krejci and NHL rookie Jake DeBrusk left Bruins fans optimistic for their season on the ice together.  Monday night, however, that optimism turned to skepticism.  In the 4-0 loss to Colorado, Krejci was on the ice for two Avalanche goals.  Line-mates DeBrusk and Andres Bjork both went minus three in the plus/minus category.  Krejci and his line are going to have to get more shots on goal Wednesday night.  The fourth line left winger (Sean Kuraly) should never lead the team in shots on goal.

KRUG NEEDS TO MAKE A PRESENCE

I certainly did not expect a huge showing from Torey Krug in his first game of the season.   But with a game under his belt, Krug will need to make some noise Wednesday night.  Krug led the Bruins in ice time Monday afternoon playing alongside Adam McQuaid.  While McQuaid recorded four hits and an even plus/minus, Krug tallied one hit, a -1 plus/minus, and one shot on goal.  He also found the penalty box once on a two-minute illegal check to the head of Alexander Kerfoot.  If Krug can stay honest defensively and add some offensive value, the Bruin’s can definitely bounce back in their third game of the year.

THE SILLY GOALS NEED TO STOP… OR BE STOPPED

As a hockey fan, nothing is more frustrating than watching your team give up goals that can easily be prevented.  It is one thing to give up a goal when the defense did everything right and the shooter just placed it perfectly.  But when the majority of the goals against the Bruins are from careless mistakes, it gets really frustrating.  In the opener against Nashville, all three Predators’ goals came in the final two minutes of a period.  The entire Boston roster seemed to just give up when the clock was soon to expire.  Luckily the offensive efforts outweighed the defensive laziness, but that won’t be enough moving forward.

In the game Monday against Colorado, three of the goals could have been prevented with more caution from Boston.  Krejci was way out of place for the first goal.  The second goal for Colorado came short-handed after a lack of Boston positioning.  And the third goal could have been avoided if Rask didn’t lunge 30 feet out of the crease trying to collect the puck.  Boston needs to fix its positioning and awareness for Wednesday night, and the rest of the season.

Despite Semyon Varlamov’s impressive start to the year in goal for Colorado, the Avalanche are a very beatable team.  If the Bruins come out with more offensive chemistry and defensive awareness than they did Monday, the Bruins could very well chalk up their second win of the year tonight.

 

 

 

Bruins Zap Us Right Back into Reality

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Like everyone else, I was feeling confident about the Bruins after their opening night win against the Predators. Who am I kidding?   I had them in the Eastern Conference Finals. With five rookies in the opening night lineup, they took the play to the Western conference champions all night. Jake Debrusk scored an impressive goal for his first of what looks like many.  Anders Bjork was all over the ice, registering an assist and generating plenty of chances. Charlie McAvoy picked up right where he left off, and appears to be an early favorite for the Calder. The rookies put David Krejci in the DeLorean. Krejci looked young again–registering three assists and easily keeping up with his faster, younger linemates.

Then something happened while I was planning the Duck Boat parade:  The Bruins reminded us how frustrating they can be, and zapped us right back into reality. With three days off between games one and two, they looked like the “youth-movement Bruins” most expected to see. Mental mistakes and missed passes made the goaltender’s job easy, all adding up to an abysmal 4-0 defeat for the home team.  Even Tuukka Rask looked like a rookie today, badly playing a puck outside his net and easily beaten.

I realize the Bruins mysteriously struggled against the Avalanche at home, but there wasn’t much to take from today’s “effort.”  They looked as though they really enjoyed the long fall weekend – pumpkin beer, spiked cider, apple picking, the whole nine yards.  Once again they were without Patrice Bergeron, who after today’s game, can’t get back in the lineup soon enough. Great to see Torey Krug back on the ice after a long layoff.  But he looked rusty and will most likely need a couple of games to get up to speed.

There is still much to learn about the 2017-18 Boston Bruins. Class begins Wednesday night in Colorado. Did I overreact after Thursday night’s game? Maybe. But I reserve the right to dust off my parade plans if we see more what we saw Thursday night and less of what we saw Monday.

The Bruins Strength This Year Will Surprise You

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The trendy opinion regarding the Bruins is that they will struggle on defense this year, just like the past few years.  But I’m here to tell you….that is “fake news”.

Sure, Zdeno Chara is 40 years old and certainly far from his prime, but you mean to tell me he still isn’t a difference maker?  With his training regimen and the shape he’s in, would it shock you if he released a book called ZC33 this year?  Most importantly, the infusion of youth on the back-end will allow Cassidy and the team to really manage his minutes this year as opposed to just saying they’ll manage his minutes.  If he is well rested in April, look out for the big man come playoff time.

Tory Krug had his best offensive season of his career last year with 51 points.   Six of his 8 goals coming on the PP while also improving his game in the defensive zone.  The Bruins went 3/14 on the PP against Ottawa in last year’s playoffs, and if Krug was healthy, I believe that series has a different outcome.

Did you like what you saw from Brandon Carlo prior to his injury last year? That’s rhetorical, so don’t answer that, of course you did. How about what you saw from Charlie “Norris TBD” McAvoy? At 18 years old, his first NHL action was in the Stanley Cup playoffs, and not only did he look like he belonged, he stood out in a series featuring the best defenseman in the world in Erik Karlsson. He will be a serious Calder trophy candidate, if not, the outright winner.

Kevan Miller was noticeably improved late last season on both ends of the ice, and looks to be a legitimate top 4 guy and his stay at home nature will allow Charlie to wheel and deal. Adam McQuaid is Adam McQuaid, love him or hate him his toughness and grit gives the backend some snarl, sorely lacking in today’s NHL.

Feel good about the Defense yet? Good, because you should, it’s the Bruins strength entering the 2017-18 season.

@jeffdyerbruins