Tag Archives: Rick Nash

Stempniak

Lee Stempniak Impressing In Camp

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When the Bruins invited Lee Stempniak to camp it was a surprise a move. With opening night only four days away Stempniak still remains on the Bruins roster. On a roster filled with young talent the thirteen year veteran has played with renewed injury this preseason. Whether or not that leads to a roster spot remains to be seen. With opening night fast approaching the Bruins will soon have to decide on what they will do with the veteran winger.

Stempniak’s Value

Last season Stempniak appeared in 37 games for the Hurricanes scoring three goals and recording nine assists. It was the first time in his career that he appeared in less than fifty games in a season. His three goals were his lowest total since 2012-2013 hen he had nine with Calgary. This preseason he has not looked like a veteran who has lost his scoring touch. Stempniak has looked re-energized by the Bruins youth even though that could be a reason he does not end up with a roster spot.

Stempniak

Photo Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports

Furthermore, he is not a twenty goal scorer but still has value. He is a steady veteran presence who can score between 10 and 15 goals. In the preseason Stempniak has six points while only averaging 11 minutes of ice time a game. He has shown that he can produce in a depth role and on the powerplay. His scoring touch is needed but his veteran leadership is also important.

Veteran Presence

This off-season the Bruins have lost veterans Rick Nash, Riley Nash, and Tim Schaller in free agency. Stempniak has been in the league for over a decade and been in many different locker rooms. He can provide perspective for the younger Bruins players who are still adjusting to the NHL. This is a key quality and contribution that does not show up on the stat sheet.

stempniak

Photo Credit: Couch Guy Sports

Although Stempniak is a well-traveled veteran he will not end up on the Bruins top line. He would most likely end up on the Bruins third or fourth-line. He could provide scoring depth while adding a unique perspective in the locker room and has outplayed some of the players still in camp. It is these type of signings that sometimes work out to be the best moves. Stempniak will know his fate soon but he has made a compelling case in his second stint with the Bruins.

Deadline Moves Make Boston Bruins’ Ceiling Much Higher

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The 2018 trade deadline has come and gone, and to the surprise of many the Boston Bruins made a big splash. Don Sweeney went out and acquired Rangers star forward Rick Nash. In exchange the Bruins sent back center Ryan Spooner, Matt Belesky, Ryan Lindgren, and a 2018 first round pick and a 2019 seventh round pick. The cost is a bit high, but there is no denying that this trade makes the Bruins substantially better. But how much better does this make the team, and what’s their ceiling now?

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Rick Nash’s Impact

It was on full display last night against Carolina- Rick Nash makes the Bruins a much better team. Nash potted his first goal as a Bruin as well as saving a goal with a great individual effort. Basically the Bruins traded Ryan Spooner for Rick Nash on their current roster. Anyone who watches the game of hockey knows that Ricks Nash is just an all around better player. Nash has always been a bit of a disappointment in his career, never really living up to the hype he had coming in as the number one overall pick. But on the Bruins Nash is not tasked with being the guy he is a second line winger. This could benefit Krejci more than anyone else, as he thrives when he plays alongside a big talented winger.

Maybe the biggest asset that Nash provides to the Bruins is his flexibility. Now Bruce Cassidy has a ton of flexibility up and down the lineup. If the Bruins get into a high tempo game, Cassidy can roll three offensive lines that can keep pace with the opposition. But if the game starts to get heavier, Krejci and Nash are more than fit to handle the grind it out atmosphere. On top of that, Cassidy can bump up Backes to the Krejci line to create a real heavy proven line.

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Ceiling

The Bruins acquired a few other smaller players at the deadline. Trading for Nick Holden, Tommy Wingels, and signing Brian Gionta. On the surface these moves like rather insignificant moves in the big picture. But each of these three players are proven veteran players with playoff experience. A team who intends on making a deep playoff run is bound to lose a few bodies to injury. Adding veteran depth instead of being forced to call up a player from Providence who would not be ready for the moment. Sweeney is ramping up for a deep playoff run and has made all the moves he can to help this team win.

Unfortunately for the Bruins they have a gauntlet that lie ahead of them. Toronto in the first round followed by a potential matchup against Tampa Bay. Who could be waiting in the conference finals? Washington, who has owned the Bruins, or Pittsburgh, the two time defending Stanley Cup Champions? The Bruins’ ceiling is way higher now then it was a week ago or even a few days ago. But the road to the cup is grueling. The Bruins ceiling is a Stanley Cup, but whether or not they can hit that remains to be seen.

What You Need to Know About Rick Nash

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Early Sunday morning the Bruins took part in the trade deadline festivities by acquiring forward Rick Nash. In return, the B’s sent Ryan Spooner and Matt Beleskey to New York along with prospect Ryan Lindgren, a 2018 first round pick, and a 2019 seventh. It’s a gamble by Sweeney seeing that he’s giving away some future assets. However, Nash is a big-name player who should help down the stretch.

Early Career

The veteran winger was taken first overall back in 2002 by Columbus and remained there for nine years. Unfortunately for Nash, he was dragged into a lengthy rebuilding process and didn’t see the playoffs until his sixth season. But even despite being on a team consistently in the NHL’s basement, Nash managed to put up big numbers. He became the face of the franchise and was eventually named team captain. In 2008, Nash scored what many called the “goal of the year”, and was nominated for “Play of the Year” at the ESPY’s.

In the 2012 offseason Nash was part of a blockbuster deal that sent him and Steven Delisle to New York in exchange for Brandon Dubinsky, Artem Anisimov, and Tim Erixon. Nash began his career as a Ranger with one of his best seasons to date, tallying 42 points through 44 games in the year of the lockout. Things were looking good for both Nash and the Rangers, but the 2013-14 season saw a sharp decline. He put up 39 points through 65 games and was only good for ten points during their Stanley Cup run. Nash rebounded the following year by notching 42 goals and 69 points, but once again struggled for the next two seasons. As for this season, Nash currently has a stat-line of 18-10-28 through 61 games.

Impact for the Bruins

There’s no doubt that Nash is an elite goal scorer with incredible hands, but there are some concerns. Over the last few years he’s been a streaky scorer in both the regular season and playoffs. He was pretty steady in Columbus but his point totals varied quite a bit throughout his time in New York. The fact that he may be a rental leaves room for concern. It’s unclear how long he’ll be a Bruin, so one bad stretch of games could define his legacy in Boston.

This would essentially leave the Bruins with nothing out of the trade, seeing that Nash is all they acquired. This would be a tough pill to swallow considering the B’s gave up some promising young talent. Even with the Rangers retaining half of his salary, this was the only way the trade was going to work under the salary cap. Giving up key future assets is a risky move for the entire franchise. However, we’ve all seen what Rick Nash is capable of when he’s hot. His quick hands and lethal shot have been on display his entire career, but he’s also a big body who can skate. He stands at 6’4-219lbs and will add to the Bruins physical presence.

The Bruins front office are risking a lot for this move, but Rick Nash could be what it takes to get to the next level. They clearly are determined to win a cup right now, and Bruins fans should be excited.

 

Cover image courtesy of lastwordonhockey.com

Rick Nash

The Bruins Are Making Some Moves

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The Bruins look to make a playoff push with the NHL trade deadline quickly approaching

Don Sweeney talks to Press

Early Sunday morning, Don Sweeney made his move- a somewhat aggressive one. The Boston Bruins signed Rangers Rick Nash in exchange for Ryan Spooner, Matt Beleskey, Ryan Lindgren, a 1st round draft pick and a 7th round pick in 2019.

For some fans, this move is either great or terrible and judging from comments online, fans are split. I want to hate this trade, but in truth, I think it’s smart. Believe me, I’ve haven’t always been a Sweeney fan, but you have to give him credit. After all, he’s a big reason why the Bruins have so many young prospects. And in the NHL, that’s what you need in order to be competitive. The big thing for me is that he found a team willing to take on Belesky’s contract and letting Spooner go means that the Bruins will have some wiggle room in their salary cap, which is good news for Boston.

THE PRICE IS RIGHT

New Bruin Rick Nash

(AP Photo/Jeffrey T. Barnes)

It’s no secret that the Boston Bruins look like serious contenders for the Stanley Cup (even though a recent road trip is leaving a sour taste in their mouths). As we’re nearing the end of the NHL regular season, Sweeney and Co. had to add some missing pieces to help bolster their defense and give David Krejci what he needs: a big forward. The Bruins needed a power forward player and they now have that with Nash (along with David Backes). And in a post season run, Boston will absolutely need to be physical. At 6’4, 211 lbs, Nash can certainly make a big impact on the Krejci line. Coach Cassidy had this to say:

“Very dynamic. He’s hard to stop, contain one-on-one,” Cassidy said. “He’s got good speed. Protects the puck well. Gets to the net. Knows how to get to the net. Good hands around the net.”

BY THE NUMBERS

In addition, the Bruins would only have to retain 50% of Belesky’s contract. And yes, there are many fans who think trading Spooner and giving up a top prospect like Lindgren was too high of a price to pay. But think of it this way: realistically, Ryan Spooner didn’t have much time left on his contract and the Bruins more than likely wouldn’t resign him after he becomes a free agent. In all fairness, Spooner had started to play really well this season and put up some good numbers.

But let’s face some tough truths here- his career wasn’t really going anywhere in Boston. For the past few seasons, Matt Beleskey hasn’t exactly been stellar. However, finding a team to absorb his contract was a challenge. Luckily, the Rangers answered that call, which leads back to my original point of the Bruins now having some good wiggle room in their salary cap.

RETAINING THE YOUTH

Young NHL defenseman Charlie McAvoy

Throughout this season, the message was clear. This Boston Bruins team is exceeding all expectations, despite some recent tough losses. In order to rebuild your team, you need to get some young players along with a coach that’s going to lead them to the playoffs. The Bruins have a good amount of young prospects that are playing their first year in the NHL and plenty that are being developed in the AHL and college level.

Players like Jake Debrusk, Danton Heinen, Sean Kuraly, Matt Grzelcyk, and Charlie McAvoy. They’re good. Like really good. And if you want them to continue to wear the spoked B, you need to pay the price. So for those thinking these recent trades are not going to work to the Bruins advantage, you have to look at the big picture. As a fan, I would rather see someone like McAvoy here in Boston for many seasons, even if it means losing someone like Spooner.

FINAL THOUGHTS

Don Sweeney was able to do something amazing in these recent trades. He was able to make good moves without giving up a lot. And yes, there was some early worry that Jake Debrusk would be traded for Ryan McDonough. I do have to admit again that I was a bit relieved when reports indicated that Sweeney wasn’t too interested in changing up the chemistry that this team has built. Even President Cam Neeley had some thoughts on the dynamic of this team:

“It’s a great group of guys, it really is,” said Neely. “They’re all pulling on the same rope. The chemistry seems to be really strong right now. It’s another thing we talk about is the chemistry of this group. Historically, you’ve seen things happen at the deadline where, maybe teams after the fact, say ‘We made too many moves and it disrupted the chemistry’. So that’s something we’re cautious about.”

The Rangers also got a pretty good deal that will help rebuild their team and the Bruins got a proven veteran player that can score. A perfect mixture of veteran and flourishing youth is what the Bruins have now. And they wouldn’t want it any other way.

NHL Boston Bruins Roster

. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar)

Follow Liz Rizzo on Twitter @pastagrll88

Should Boston Express Interest in Rick Nash?

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News has recently come out that Rick Nash being placed on the trading block. Earlier today it was reported that Nash submitted a list of twelve teams that he would approve a trade to. While Nash could still be potentially traded to any of the other eighteen teams he would have to waive his no trade clause. With the trade deadline coming up on the 26th of February you can expect quite a few teams to kick the tires on the 33 year old left wing. But should the surging Boston Bruins be one of the teams to make a call?

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Track Record

Do the Bruins have a need for Rick Nash? Not particularly considering the production that they have been receiving up and down the lineup. However, adding a veteran forward with plenty of playoff experience under his belt is never a bad move. Nash is his 15th NHL season originally drafted number one overall in the 2002 NHL draft. The veteran left winger is one of the most respected players in hockey. This should make his transition to another team even a rival pretty smooth.

In 1041 career games Rick Nash has put up 431 goals and 736 points for Columbus and New York. In eight of those seasons Nash posted 30 or more goals. It is pretty safe to say the winger is capable of putting the puck in the net. His production began to fall off after a monstrous season in 2014-2015 where he netted 42 goals. In each of the past two seasons Nash has not been able to eclipse the 40 point mark. Even with Nash beginning to decline the veteran left winger still possess a special scoring touch.

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Why the Bruins Should Look into a Trade

When you have a team that is as hot as the Bruins it can be tempting to leave things as they are. But Sweeney should still be looking into making a key trade to give the Bruins a better chance at a title this season. If the cost is right of course. Although the Bruins have a great mix of youth and experience on the roster, adding a player with Nash’s postseason experience could only benefit the team. Rick Nash has played in 77 postseason games and has posted a solid 41 points. His stats do not jump off the screen he is definitely battled tested.

Thanks to the excellence of the forward group if the Bruins were to acquire Nash he would be able to play with very little pressure. As the games get tighter and become more physical the young players may begin to struggle. Even if that does not happen the depth that Nash could provide matchup wise is very valuable. Of course this is all based on if Rick Nash would be willing to even come to Boston. If the cost is not to high this is definitely the type of player that could help the Bruins in May and June.