Bruins’ mini mailbag: On Seguin’s position, the Penguins’ and more
Yeah, I’d say that if healthy, they’re definitely one of the key teams the Bruins will have to go through in their attempt to repeat. Even if you’re underwhelmed by the supporting cast, you can’t overlook what effect having two elite talents like Malkin and Crosby has on a lineup. Those two guys make everyone around them better and make it so hard to game plan against.
As much as Chiarelli has put the Bruins in a great position salary-cap-wise, his Pittsburgh counterpart Ray Shero has done the same with his club. The Bruins and Pens could be a great rivalry for the rest of this decade.
Will wrote: With all the rumors around draft day of Boston possibly making a deal for Ryan Ellis, do you think he is a player they will continue to pursue or was this trade only up for grabs because of the pick the Bruins had?
MK: I don’t have any inside info on this one, Will, but here’s my guess: until Dougie Hamilton dropped to the Bruins, they were thinking a defenseman closer to being NHL-ready like Ellis was more attractive than what they were going to get in the draft. I think this deal is completely off the table now with the Bruins’ back end pretty crowded and Nashville possibly needing Ellis to fill in should they have to clear salary to retain Shea Weber.
Digger wrote: Why hasn’t Bobby Orr’s No. 4 been retired across the NHL? He is considered the greatest hockey player to ever play the game by a majority of people and those who disagree usually have him at No. 2 behind Wayne Gretzky, who has his No. 99 retired. What can be done to get the No. 4 recognized and retired by the NHL?
MK: First thing you can do is not let me opine on this topic. I don’t agree with having any number in any sport retired by the entire league.
If the NHL wanted to suggest to people that No. 99 be out of circulation, in particular with the teams that retired it after he played for them, then I was on board. But it’d be even better if players worthy of No. 99 could wear it to honor him. So as far as Orr, I like that guys like Michael Del Zotto can wear it in tribute.
I would guess the league has to draw the line somewhere. If they retired Orr’s number to go along with Gretzky’s, then what do they do about Gordie Howe, Maurice Richard and Patrick Roy? It’s a slippery slope, as they say.
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Cormac, “…James Neal… That trade was a steal for the Pens. It’ll be interesting to see how many goals he gets playing on the left side of a “healthy” Crosby.”
Seconded. It kind of flew under the radar with where the Pens where in their injury situation and everyone looking at Richards moving from the Stars, but yeah, that’s going to be a very interesting as next season moves along.
Thanks for taking my question Matt. I live in the DC area and my friends that are Caps fans hate that I don’t see them as a playoff threat. The Pens on the other hand, when they’re healthy I think they’re very dangerous.
Agree a bajillion % on the patience comment with Seguin. He’ll be great. No need on a Cup-winning team to set any type of playing time or point total goals for the kid. Just play him as you need and balance development versus wins, which Julien seems to understand. The minutes will come more easily now as defending champs.
My only “expectation” is he gets more time at center for all the reasons mentioned above. Let Pouliot or Peverly take the wing position in the top 6, and allow Seguin to develop as a responsible 3rd line center with Kelly riding shotgun to add experience along his side.
Matt, you left out James Neal in your Pens comment. That trade was a steal for the Pens. It’ll be interesting to see how many goals he gets playing on the left side of a “healthy” Crosby.
I think Krejci will be signed to a similar term as Lucic when his contract comes up. He keeps getting better in CJ’s system. Hopefully the $’s won’t be an issue under the new CBA.
Pierre Bezukov comment gets my vote on Seguin.
Bo- I hear you. Concern over Seguin’s progress is so overblown, it gets annoying. I really don’t think the process is as delicate as some people seem to think. As if he plays his second year on the wing he will develop into a great center. It’s bogus. He’s an elite talent, head on straight, getting stronger, on a Cup winning team surrounded by great veterans,coaches, management. He’s gonna be fine.
Tyler, tyler, tyler… oh my god, its Tyler. Is 11-12 going to be the same constant debate as last year? God, I hope not. Be patient Bs fans.. be patient. He’s a good one, but he has to grow into it. He will, just be patient.
I like honouring numbers better than retiring them. The Leafs have that right. If traditionalists like retiring numbers they must cringe when people are wearing numbers in the 30′s and 40′s because all the real numbers are retired. A number like Bobbys wouldn’t be worn because who could fill that one? That would be the utimate tribute.
As far as Ryan Ellis goes I’m not sure what he will be at the NHL level. He’s a question mark in my mind. If Nashville is trying to move him it’s because they see something they’re worried about. It’s likely his skating and size. It’s not his shot or compete level that’s for sure.
League-wide retired numbers are lame. Doesn’t matter who it is.