Training camp preview: let the position battles begin
Let’s face it, when Bruins wingers get to training camp they all try to line up next to Savard as badly as they want to get interviewed by Heidi Androl when they play at Los Angeles. Most predict a pair of Milan Lucic and Nathan Horton would work best with Savard. But there’s no doubt Julien is going to try plenty other combinations before settling on his opening-night lines. Maybe Seguin would be a good fit playing alongside the team’s best playmaker and the rugged Lucic. Playing next to Savard might reboot Ryder or Wheeler’s careers. There are a few options and the chance to be on the receiving end of Savard’s dishes will be a coveted opportunity by many all camp long.
*Wingers vs. wingers to play with Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi
It’s doubtful Julien would want to break up this pair of veteran forwards, who formed two thirds of Boston’s best two-way line all last season. This would be Sturm’s spot if healthy. Some have considered Seguin a solid fit here because he could learn under two of Boston’s best leaders. Wheeler finished last season here, and maybe he’s ready for more responsibility. If Julien decides he just wants the most defense possible on this line, he could go back to Daniel Paille. For me, I’d like to see Wheeler get this chance. Maybe the extra responsibility would empower him to truly grow this season.
*Defenseman vs. defenseman to be on the roster
With six NHL defensemen on one-way deals, the Bruins are pretty much set one through six. Julien typically likes to have a seventh guy around for practice and competition when the salary cap allows. As an incumbent, Adam McQuaid seems like the front-runner to be the spare D. But he could get challenged by Jeff Penner, Andrew Bodnarchuk or newcomer Nathan McIver. Beyond just trying to make the team, could one of these players – or even a rookie – make a push to force Matt Hunwick or Andrew Ference out? We won’t know until we see if Hunwick can find his form after an inconsistent sophomore season and see how Ference holds up to the rigors of the game with two surgically repaired groins. I’d expect the top six to stay as is and McQuaid to stick around, at least at the outset of the season.
Let’s get ready to rumble! … For positions, that is.
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Grant and Jim….Im glad you guys saw something in Sauve. He is the one guy, besides the big three(seguin,caron,colborne) that really impressed me. Good nose for the puck, skating, shot, and seemed to be in the right place at all times. I’d like to see if he raises his game playing with faster, more talented nhl caliber guys. Good young prospect here folks.
Hungus – Hope you are right – seriously doubt that you are. I’d like to see Seguin paired up with Krecji and Caron on the Bergeron line. I also think that its not a terrible idea to put Suave in the lineup while Sturm is on the couch. This team needs some speed and hustle – its infectious, and last years lineup was lacking. Not sure Suave or Caron are ready, but I’m really rooting for them.
Matt, perhaps I’m not speaking to you, however, there are plenty fans / commentators to this and other formats that wanted the Bruins to simply cut ties with Wheeler and move on. I happen to wish for a bit of patience.
I disagree with you concerning Joe Thornton. He was run out of town because of perception. He may not be a leader, but he is still a very talented player that was never given his due because “he didn’t have enough grit”.
And Thornton wasn’t run out of town because of a perception. He was (and is) useless in big games. He is not a leader. He had plenty of opportunities to shed those characteristics, and still hasn’t.
No one is burying him. He put out sporadic effort last season. I want 100% effort for every game. I don’t care if he plays on the perimeter, slot, crease, behind the net…don’t care. I just want him to try the entire time, and I didn’t see that last season. If he does that, he will be a force. This blog is the first I have ever heard his name and Neely’s name in the same sentence.
This also applies to Ryder. If he tries, he is actually pretty good. He looked like he couldn’t have cared less for 80% of last season.
I just want effort. Results follow closely behind effort. They all ratcheted their game up for the playoffs. Play the whole season like that, night in, night out. That’s all you can ask. That’s why people like Thomas. He is always at max effort.
Fair enough Grant. Don’t get me wrong, I got frustrated with Wheeler’s game at times last year. Like you, I would like to see him more “active” however that is manifested. I just wish people would allow him to grow into his frame and his game before they bury him. I want the guy, along with all of the other young players to succeed!
I don’t think Stuart nor Hunwick are top 4 Dmen Chiarelli will have to make a move at the deadline to get someone Kaberle ?
Hopefully , last contract year for Ryder he potted 14, Michael will play well so his trade interest will go up doubtful but hopeful.
Bring up Sauve and Caron as they played well!
look for the wheeler-krejci-ryder line to rebound with more favorable matchups if savvy’s line stays healthy.
Ooops. I meant Mike Richards with Philly… but Brad might work as well.
Jim – there is some validity to what you say, but already I think there is a considerable difference between Caron and Wheeler that will play out for all to see in camp. Caron – while not Neelyesque – I think you will see is more physical and active than Wheeler.
I think many of us have a good handle on this thing with Wheeler – its not talent, its not for a lack of ‘big’ hits and round houses… he simply doesn’t use his gifts. He doesn’t need to be Neely, but how about Knuble? Would it make you feel better if he was compared to smaller guys? How about a little Brad Richards in his game.
I think people are frustrated because he has such natural gifts and is satisfied skating the perimeter waiting for the play to come to him.
Great Article once again, I really like Wheeler and feel that this is his year to break out, Everyone always hates on him and I don’t know why.( Maybe cause I like him)
Went to the game to last night and couldn’t keep my eyes off Sauve great job and Lane Mcdermot impressed
Nice article Matt. You touched upon one of my pet peeves, whenever the Bruins get a taller, bigger player he is always be expected to be the next Cam Neely. Some guys can be very effective players / checkers without knocking people into the second row. And as much as I admire Neely for his ability to be both a goal scorer and physical player I wish fans would allow Caron, Wheeler and any other bigger player to find their own game. Joe Thornton was run out of town in large measure due to unrealistic expectations. Lets let these new guys find their own paths.
Went to the game last night and was very impressed with Max Sauve’s game. Wonder if either Caron or Sauve can make this team?
Yeah, exactly…half of his contract a that team would pick up. If there are more than one team making a claim on the player, the team with the lowest points in the standings gets that player.
I like how you mentioned Tuukka vs. Timmy. For some reason, a lot of people out there assume it’s automatically Rask’s position come October.
And the last time Ryder was in a contract year, he racked up a career-worst 14-17-31 scoring line. If he can somehow pull-off a 30-25-55 season like he has in the past, then I’d put him in the ‘slightly overpaid’ class.
Ryder is in a contract year, so I am sure we will see him try this season. I hope Wheeler produces early so they can trade him for a top 2 defenseman which they desperately need. I think Wheeler will be a good player. It is always his effort level that I have questioned.
I think alot of teams would take Ryder if they only had to pay him 2 mil.
The Bruins would have to pay 50% of the salary.
Or am I wrong?
Yes, he would go through waivers going up and down, every time.
Matt – At the top of your game this morning…an Heidi Androl name drop, and this fantastic line: “Or he could continue to be an offsides machine with a knack for missing the net”
We diss on Wheeler because we all see the talent and physical gifts, but the seemingly lack of toughness/desire hurts him in Boston.
Q: If they sent Ryder to Prov, I assume you can bring the player up and down as you like as long as you have the cap space, but does he have to clear re-entry waivers ? Not that anybody would claim him.