Penguins To Sign Jagr

There have been rumors for weeks that Jaromir Jagr is finally going to make his comeback to the NHL. There had been a bunch of teams rumored (Detroit Red Wings, Montreal Canadiens, ect), but it's the Penguins that have seemed to have won the race. Jagr is now 38 years old and hasn't played in the NHL since 2008. He has been playing well overseas, and I do expect him to be able to put up 20-25 goals, so as long as your expectations are in the right place I don't this he will disappoint. I have never liked Jagr, maybe it's his hair, or maybe it's just my hatred for the Peguins, but I hope this woks out terrible.

Kaberle To Bruins Falling Apart? (3 UPDATES)

"As discussed by Nick Kypreos and Doug MacLean of Rogers Sportsnet, Brian Burke wants young, active players in lieu of draft picks in return for Tomas Kaberle. And, up until Wednesday afternoon, the Toronto Maple Leafs general manager claimed his counterpart with the Boston Bruins had only offered picks. Once GM Peter Chiarelli is willing to throw forward Blake Wheeler the Leafs' way, this deal should get done (ESPN)."

We have been waiting for Wheeler to take advantage of his physical tools for far too long. I used to be very cautious about trading Wheeler, but at this point I think it might be worth it. The concern is that Kaberle is a free agent at the end of the year and could just walk, but if the Bruins want any chance at the Stanley Cup they have to make this trade. How many more years are you going to get Thomas playing the way he is right now.

Plus, one of their biggest problems right now is that they have no one to play the point on the power play. I love Recchi as much as the next guy, but he leaves the Bruins too vulnerable to a shorthanded goal. Kaberle fits that position perfectly, and I really hope they pull this deal off.

***UPDATE***

Getting closer...

"According to a report from TSN Hockey Insider Darren Dreger, the Bruins are close to a trade that would send four-time All-Star defenseman Tomas Kaberle to Boston. Dreger reports that the trade is not likely to happen on Thursday, but sources tell him that the deal is close and does not hinge on Kaberle signing an extension with the Bruins. Cap flexibility is also a factor, and a secondary trade might be needed by the Bruins in order to create cap space (WEEI 2/17/11)."

***UPDATE #2***

Even closer?

"According to Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe, the Bruins and Maple Leafs are nearing a deal that would send defenseman Tomas Kaberle to Boston in exchange for center Joe Colborne and the Bruins' 2011 first-round pick (WEEI 2/18/11)."

***UPDATE #3***

It sounds like it is just a matter of time till this trade is announced...

"It looks as though Tomas Kaberle has been asked to waive his NTC to BOS and there's every reason to believe he'll waive (TSN 2/18/11)."

Bruins Trade Rumors

With Savard out for the year the Bruins have some cap room to play with. Peter Chairelli was recently on WEEI and said that he would "bet of the Bruins making a move". The question now is, what will this "move" be?

The Bruins have Toronto's first round pick again this year, and that could be a big chip in the trading market. Their dream is Brad Richards or Zach Bogosian, but the most likely scenario is Tomas Kaberle, who has been rumored about for 2 years now. Kaberle would give them that coveted "puck moving" defenseman they have been looking for.

I personally think it's much more important for them to add some offensive firepower. Richards would obviously be the best option, but someone like Jason Arnott could be a decent option. Bruins might be able to get him cheap too because the Devils are terrible and he is 36 years old. Still, I don't know if that would be enough to push the Bruins over the edge, so I would still be disappointed unless they got a big time goal scorer.

Big Trade Coming For Bruins?

Now that Savard has been shut down the season the Bruins have some cap room to play with. Yesterday general manager Peter Chiarelli was on WEEI and he sounded like a guy who was about to make a move...

"Sure. I'd look at [trading the pick]. Sure, I would. I've had discussions involving that pick," said Chiarelli. "I would certainly look at it. We've got a lot of assets, so we can be creative about things, also. But I would look at it."

"There's been one [trade] that we've thrown around here internally. I don't know that I would do it, but it's something that warrants further discussion (ESPN)."

That "pick" is another first round from Toronto, which looks like it will be a top 5 pick.

Chiarelli was later asked if fans should expect a trade and he said "I would bet on it". The question is what kind of move they will make. Will it be for another forward? Or will it be for a "puck moving defenseman" that has been rumored throughout the year.

One name that is being floated around is Brad Richards. I don't see it happening, because I just don't see Dallas wanting to deal the 30 year old center. If they did get him it would be unreal, but I wouldn't bet on this.

What is much more likely for someone like Tomas Kaberle, who is interestingly enough is from Toronto. He fits that mold of a "puck moving defenseman". Kabarle has been rumored for 2 years now, so one would think this is the most likely.

Another named being rumored by ESPN is Sergei Gonchar, who spent a short time with the Bruins back in 2003.

Tyler Seguin To Juniors?

The Bruins have a lot of decisions to make soon. When Savard and Sturm come back the Bruins are going to have to find a way to shave about $7 million off their cap, yet that isn't their only concern. They are also going to need to find a place to play everyone.

As the roster stands now Seguin is getting most of his playing time as the 4th line center, but when Savard comes back that could change. So far this season Sequin is -2 with 3 points, the only other guy with a negative +/- is Ryder (shocking).

My thinking is that if this is all the playing time he is going to get on this team then the Bruins should send him down, and get him some playing time. He is only going to learn so much on the bench. It will be a tough sell to fans, especially with the play Kessel is playing right now, but in the long run it could be the right move.

The reason that this is coming up now is because the Bruins are only allowed to send him to Juniors during the first 10 games on the season. I doubt it will happen, but it is something that is being discussed.

Whatever the choice, it doesn't help the cap since his cap his is under a million, so the Bruins are going to have to find a way to move 1 or 2 big contracts.

Peter Chiarelli Says Bruins "Have To Do Something"

The Bruins have cap problems, everyone knows it, but no one seems to know what exactly they are going to do.

"I'm going to have to do something, I'm not hiding away from the fact", says Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli.

They wanted to trade Thomas, but no one wanted him, and now he is the hottest goalie in the NHL. They wanted to deal Savard, but no one will touch him until he proves he is healthy. They wanted to trade Ryder, but there were no takers. Well now there is a rumor that the Bruins are looking to deal either Hunwick or Wheeler. My guess would be Wheeler, since the Bruins are already thin on defense.

I think trading Wheeler might be the smartest move. They can most likely get draft picks for him, and a lot of teams should be interested because of his potential, and age. I would like to see them get rid of Ryder, but Wheeler might be their best option of actually getting something done.

The Bruins are going to have until the end of November (most likely) to get something done, since Sturm will most likely be back by then.

Bruins Still Shopping Savard

Bruins are “actively shopping” center Marc Savard despite this month’s news that his contract has been under investigation by the NHL.

“The investigation by the NHL definitely made teams back off from their interest in Savard, but the team is still open to trading him and trying to,” a source told Murphy (ESPN).

I'll be honest I don't want to see them trade Savard. I really like the team the Bruins have right now, and I don't think there is much more they need to add. The only way I would deal him is if they get great a really good defenseman, or a wing that can score. The Bruins are having cap problems, but I would like to see them either buyout or move Ryder rather then deal Savard. I feel the Bruins could be a special team this year, and trading Savard would only hurt that.

Marc Savard Unhappy With Trade Talk

"Marc Savard never waived his no-trade clause but sources tells ESPN Boston's James Murphy that, if he's asked to waive it, he probably would. It's because he is unhappy with trade rumors and, also, it's possible he feels he can play a bigger role elsewhere. With Patrice Bergeron, David Krejci and now Tyler Seguin all crowding the center spot, Savard may be the best candidate to be moved (ESPN)."

I don't believe this story at all. This is just another case of the media making something out of nothing. The Bruins have already decided to put Seguin on the wing to start the year, and Savard is the ebst center on the team. I'm sure he is not pleased with all the trade talk, but it is part of the sport, and he has a no trade clause, so he doesn't have to do anything he doesn't want to.

For now I hope the Bruins keep him, because I really love this team on paper. Later in the season, when Sturm makes his comeback, they can decide what they want to do. That could be trading Savard, Thomas, or Ryder. If I was the Bruins I would just wait and see how this all plays out.

Bruins Looking To Sign Bill Guerin

Reports released this week say that the Bruins are trying to sign Bill Guerin. I originally didn't report this story, because I didn't understand how they could do it. Yet, after reading some other rumors it might make sense.

Now that the Kings have most likely lost out of Ilya Kovalchuk rumor is they are going out and looking for another forward. That forward could be Marc Savard. We all know the Bruins have been shopping him, and it would make sense if this is the place. The Bruins need to clear space with Wheeler in arbitration (most likely will get 2.5 million), and they still need to sign Tyler Seguin. If the Bruins were able to move Savard it could make it possible for them to sign both these guys, and Bill Guerin, who could be a nice fit for the Bruins on the wing.

Don't Expect Tim Thomas To Be Traded

While Tim Thomas may have been on the trade market earlier in the offseason, it doesn't look like there's any interest in him any longer. NESN's James Murphy tweets, "Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli said that there's no update with regards to Tim Thomas. Reiterated that Thomas wants to be a Bruin still."

All the rumors I have read state that Tim Thomas isn't going anywhere this offseason. I know a lot of people want him gone, and I kind of agree, but only because of his contract. Still, as a player, I want him on this team. We have seen so many goalies be 1 year wonders in the past (Blaine Lacher, John Blue, Andrew Raycroft, ect) that if makes me feel a lot more comfortable that we have a very good backup for Rask. I am not saying he is going to fall apart, but I do have my concerns.

Anyways, if Thomas is to be dealt now it looks like it won't happen until the season starts. Most likely it would be around the trade deadline when a playoff team needs a goalie.

More Trades Coming For Bruins?

Since yesterday when the Bruins made a trade for Nathan Horton there have been rumors flying around...

"Some people are telling TSN's Darren Dreger that Marc Savard is available in a trade, and the New York Post's Larry Brooks adds that they've been "aggressively shopping Savard since the end of their season (ESPN)."

The onyl way I see the Bruins trading Savard is if they know Hall is going to get taken before they pick. If that is the case then the Bruins need to open up a center spot, and deal Savard would also give them some cap relief.

After the trade of Wideman the Bruins could also be on the lookout for a veteran defenseman to take his place. There have been rumors about a deal with the Toronto Maple Leafs to bring in Tomas Kaberle, whom the Bruins have had interest in for a while.

Another rumors going around is that the Bruins might trade future draft picks, so they can get their hands on the Blue Jackets pick (#4 overall), so they can get their hands on a top defenseman (Erik Gudrbanson, Cam Fowler or Brandon Gormley). They Bruins should be able to pull off that deal if they want to since they have 4 pick in the first 2 rounds of next year draft, and a bunch of later picks this year as well.

Bruins New Trade Rumor (UPDATED)

The Bruins problem this past season was that they didn't have anyone to put the puck in the net. The hot rumor today is that they are trying to fix that by trading for Florida's Nathan Horton. Horton is a 20 goal scorer, who has put up as many as 30 goals in a season. His goal totals have gone down each of the last 4 years, but he is only 25 years old, and I think the Bruins could be buying low here.

If the Bruins are healthy, and can add Horton plus another winger through the draft (Hall) the offense should be much improved. The Bruins have the playmakers at center (Krejci, Bergeron, Savard) to setup guys for big season (like Kessel before he was traded).

There is no word on what the Bruins would give up here, but according to one source this deal is on there verge of being completed. There have been rumors that Wheeler is on the block, but the Bruins also have a bunch of draft picks in this draft, so I could see them trading one of them (just not the 2nd overall pick).


***UPDATE***

TSN's Bob McKenzie has tweeted that a deal that would send Panthers' forward Nathan Horton to the Bruins is a "done deal." Details regarding other pieces in the deal remain unknown. A source told WEEI.com Sunday night that Horton expected to be traded and that the Bruins were one of a few teams close to acquiring him. TSN's Darren Dreger is reporting the deal is Horton and another Panther in exchange for one Bruins player.

We will get you more info when it comes out.

Recchi Wants To Play Another Year

Before the season started Recchi stated that this was probably going to be his last year. At age 42, who can blame him? But after being a dominant force for the Bruins once again he seems like he has changed his tune. He even went as far as to say that he still thinks he has a lot in the tank, and his kids that want him to keep playing. The only thing holding him back? His wife...of course.

Well eventually I bet he tells his wife to go fuck herself, and plays another year. Recchi is the man, and I would love him to be back another year. At his worst he is a great option on the power play, and for a young team like the Bruins it is great to have a guy like this on your squad. Plus, Boston is going to be short on money this offseason, so this could be a nice cheap signing.

Bruins Make Another Trade

The Bruins have acquired defenseman Dennis Seidenberg from Florida. Byron Bitz, who is not on the ice for practice, is said to be involved in this deal. I am actually going to miss Bitz. I am not going to sit here and tell you I know a lot about Dennis Seidenberg, but here what Boston.com is saying...

"Seidenberg has two goals and 21 assists in 62 games this season, averaging 22:54 of ice time per appearance. Seidenberg is a left-handed shot. Seidenberg is earning $2.25 million this season and will be an unrestricted free agent at year's end."

The Bruins still need to add a goal scorer, preferably a winger. To do that they are most likely going to have to move some salary. There have been rumors all over the place from Ryder to Tim Thomas being dealt. I guess we will have to wait to see, but after that last game it was obvious Boston has to shake up this team.

Another Bruins Trade Rumor

There have been tons of Bruins trade rumors. Many insiders are saying that the Bruins have a deal or two in place, and they could happen as soon as today. Today's rumor has the Bruins matched up with Phoenix.

This rumor has the Bruins eyeing 21-year-old Peter Mueller, who has struggled under coach Dave Tippett. Mueller has a lot of talent even though he has only scored 4 goals this year. During the 2007-2008 season Mueller put up 22 goals and 32 assists, but has fallen off since. Some people believe he just doesn't fit Tippet's game plan, and a change of scenery could be what is necessary to get this kid back on track.

If the Bruins can get him cheap, it might be something they look at as Chiarelli would like to make a move that doesn't cost the Bruins in the long run.

Boston is also rumored to be looking for another defenseman.

Bruins Already Have Trade Done?

There are rumors flying about the internet today that say that the Bruins already have a trade completed, but it won't be announced until after the Olympics are over. The question is, what is the deal?

Most sources seem to think that it is for Predators' defenseman Dan Hamhuis. There is no word on what the Bruins are giving up in this deal, but the asking price for Hamhuis was scorer and high-second or late-first round pick. The Bruins do have a couple of draft picks to play with, but I can't see them giving up anymore scorers considering that is their main problem.

Anyways, just something to keep an eye on.

Keith Tkachuk To Bruins Rumor

We had mentioned before that the Bruins may try to make another move to get Keith Tkachuk, since they attempted to land him last year when they tried to send Phil Kessel to St. Louis to Tkachuk and David Perron.

Well, these rumors are heating up again, as NESN is saying that the Bruins have made some calls to the Blues about Tkachuk (and maybe Paul Kariya too). Tkachuk is said to be ecstatic about the chance to play for his hometown team. Personally, I have always been a Tkachuk fan, so I would love to see this happen. Plus, this deal would most likely keep their core players intact, so they won't be sacrificing their future at all.

I am sure there will be a lot more rumors, but I am also certain that the Bruins will make a deal before the trade deadline (March 3).

Big Bruins Trade Coming

The Bruins are involved in a seemingly endless amount of trade rumors these days. It really should come as no surprise, as they were supposed to be a top team in the Eastern Conference, but right now they wouldn't even make the playoffs. Here is a quick run down on the rumors I am hearing.

Ilya Kovalchuk - One of the best offensive players in the NHL. It would take a lot of get him, and the Thrashers are not letting any team talk to him, which makes it difficult, since any trade could just be a rental for the rest of the season. The Thrasher are looking for at least a draft pick, a young player, and an NHL ready player. Rumor right now is that it will involve Wheeler, a guy from the minors, and one of the Bruins picks they got from the Maple Leafs in the Kessel deal, though it is being said they are not willing to trade their top pick.

Ray Whitney - He probably won't be dealt till Ilya Kovalchuk is, whoever loses out on him will most likely look to Whitney next. Other teams that are rumored are the Penguins, Flames,Canucks, Kings, and Blue Jackets.

Dion Phaneuf - I don't think this will happen, because the cost is rumored to be too high (Blake Wheeler, Dennis Wideman, a prospect and multiple draft picks).

Sheldon Souray - The Oilers are going to trade him, but he does have a no trade clause, so it would be interesting to see if the Bruins are on him list of team he would like to go to.

Paul Kariya - Certainly would give the Bruins more speed, but the question is if he would be a fit, since he is really not "power forward".

Some other guys that have been rumored are Raffi Torres, Lubomir Visnovsky, and Alexei Ponikarovsky (all guys who are on the trading block).

ESPN is saying that the only guys who are not on the trading block for the Bruins are Tuukka Rask, and their high draft pick from the Kessel trade.

Bruins Looking To Trade Wideman

If you have watched the Bruins this year at all you would know that Wideman has not nearly been the player he was last year. It has gotten to the point where Bruins' coach Claude Julien has even called him out...

"He's got to bring his intensity level up and he's got to have a better compete level. That's what makes him a great player. He should easily be a top-two at worst, a top-three defenseman for us, and he's not close to that right now. We know it. He knows it. He's got to pick up his game (NESN)."

There is not a lot going around about who may be interested, but one rumor that is flying around is that Wideman and Wheeler could be traded to rent Ilya Kovalchuk for the season. I would be all for this. Wideman seems to need a change of scenery, and Wheeler is a very up and down player. You add Kovalchuk and a healthy Bruins team and you really have something going into the playoffs.

Ray Whitney To Bruins Rumor

"The Boston Bruins are reportedly looking at the players the Edmonton Oiler and Carolina Hurricanes have to offer. Those two teams are likely going to do most of the moving come the trade deadline, and there are a handful of player they could offer.

This rumor comes via the Twitter of James Murphy of NESN.com. He says he knows they have interest in the Canes Ray Whitney, who has been a hot name on the trade market as of late. He also speculates that they may be in on Shelden Souray of the Oilers (ESPN)."

There is no doubt in my mind that the Bruins will make a trade before the deadline. They need offense badly, and they have a lot of picks. The Bruins need to get healthy first, so they can figure out what they already have, but in the end I think you will see them pick up a veteran like Whitney (or maybe even Keith Tkachuk) to solidify their offense.