MacLean
Last night, Sportsnet’s Doug MacLean was stirring the pot about potential moves the Bruins could make to clear room for injured winger Marco Sturm and eventually Marc Savard.
Word that Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli and three scouts were at the Phoenix-Montreal game last night spread like wildfire across the Twitter-verse. As MacLean points out, the Coyotes could be perfect partners for the Bruins, who need to cut salary without adding any.
Blake Wheeler, of course, is a former Coyotes first-round pick who used a clause in the CBA to escape there and come to Boston. That, however, was different management, so there are probably no hard feelings. As always, Michael Ryder could be in play too.
Here’s a look at all MacLean had to say:
Not sure if Yandle would ever happen. That would be epic. I would trade Wheeler in a heartbeat. In fact, they they put a package of him, Ryder and Hunwick, I bet they could get a decent player and draft pick in return. Three players who are all FAs after the season. That’s nice flexibility for a team.
If Wheeler was on another team in another division, especially the Western conference, no one here would know who he is, including me.
3+ years in and I don’t see it. He still has prospect-like value and Ryder has started well. Send em out while you can.
The flipside of that is that I don’t believe that Sturm or Savard play before the new year, so there is no rush. A good deal comes along, though, and they should pull the trigger.
Do we really not think Sauve, Arniel or Coburne can’t do what Wheeler is doing?
I have nothing against Wheeler but a trade that brings Keith Yandle to the Bruins is OK with me. A young D-man that has good size, skates well and should only improve. A great move!
•Adrian Dater via twitter: Dater thinks the Colorado Avalanche could be a possible trade partner for the Boston Bruins as they could use some help on defense and have the lowest payroll. Joe Haggerty thinks the Bruins could be interested in Phoenix Coyotes prospects such as Mikkel Boedker and Viktor Tikhonov. The Bruins also like some Coyotes roster players, such as Keith Yandle. Source just told Jimmy Murphy that Yandle is available, and the Bruins are interested
Wheeler’s cap-hit is $2.2M; hardly a dent in their cap if/when Savvy comes back. He’s been the best player on their PK thus far this year. Hands-down.
And who says Sturm is a slam-dunk when he returns? He’s the one with two surgically-repaired ACL/knees, eight years Wheeler’s elder, and is an impending UFA come July. Why make room for him? I don’t get it.
And Pat Ryan: why on God’s green earth would Phoenix ever trade their No. 1 defenseman for garbage free-agents — a defenseman who belongs as an AHL forward; an over-rated fourth-liner who has hands on stone and whose only value is on the PK; and a $4M question mark?
I’ll take Vern Fiddler and a pick or prospect, please.
I’ve seen enough of Wheeler to see he isn’t going to amount to much — at least not in Boston. He is soft and inconsistent. If they can get something for him, move him.
I don’t see any way anyone takes Sturm, as a few have suggested. He’s been hurt and has been hurt often. Why would someone take a chance on him?
sturm has a ntc so i doubt he’s going anywhere.
make it happen, chia. wheeler couldn’t hit a barn right now.
I’ve seen enough of Wheeler. Big body, skills, sure… but there’s an x-factor that he just doesn’t have, and I think it has a lot to do with heart. Does he seem like a guy who can gut it out through a deep playoff run? Not to me… not even close.
Is it at all possible for Sturm to be the odd man out? Nothing against him, but I really don’t think he’s a clear upgrade over any of the current six wingers (excluding the grind line).
I’d hate to see Wheeler go right now. He looks like he really is working to get more physical, and he is showing more of a willingness to get to the net. I’d like to see him get some more time with the B’s.
Wheeler has been pretty good lately. I would not trade him right now. Ryder looks to be in the same pace as last year.
I disagree, wheeler has looked good the past couple games.
I feel for the kid, but I have to admit, he is dragging that line down. Caron looks soooo much better.
Wheeler for something looks good right now.
Ok, guess work= Ryder, Paille, Hunwick for Yandle and draft pick