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Post by jhabs61 on Mar 12, 2013 12:32:37 GMT -5
Former Bruin Returns, Shake ups in BTown Since new owner and GM Jason Morgan took over the Eastern Conference finalists, the Bruins have been on an upward trend. Their previous GM put them into the race for the Cup, going full out. This left the Bruins with a diminished prospect pool and only 2 picks in the top60 in this Year's draft. Unhappy with the little amount of youth the team had, Morgan took it upon himself to replenish it by trading off superstars Alex Ovechkin and Pavel Datsyuk. Datsyuk was traded for a 2013 1st, 2nd and players Kyle Brodziak and Brett Bulmer, a young winger who tore up the AHL the past season. Ovechkin on the other hand was acquired by the Penguins, and in return the Bruins got former London Knight Rick Nash, along with another former Knight in Olli Maata. Not to mention, the Bears also picked up the young, rugged winger Eric Tangradi. But how would the Bruins replace a star presence that Datsyuk filled? Well, GM Morgan brought in a face that Boston fans know all too well. Thats right, the big move to replace Pavel was bringing in former Bruin, playmaking center Joe Thornton. "I was shocked, but when I was told by Sharks GM KOTW that I was traded, I was worried as to my destination. But I was a lot happier when I found out I was making a return to Boston." Said Thornton. The Bruins have also picked up Defensive defenceman Francois Beauchemin from the Tampa Bay Lightning, in return for a 3rd in 2014. "We really need some defensive help, I have a feeling the former GMs philosophy was 'All out offence' or 'who needs D' " Said Morgan All in all, the New Bruins GM kept the Bears competitive, while adding youth and depth in the system. The draft is still going on, tune in later this week for a draft day update! Rumors - The Bruins are targeting a dman on rival team the Montreal Canadiens, no names mentioned. - The Bruins would LIKE another 2nd round pick, but its not 100% - Offensive Center Marc Savard will NOT be playing for the Boston Bruins in the 2013-2014 season, I'd be shocked if hes even at preseason training.
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Post by jhabs61 on Mar 14, 2013 13:16:27 GMT -5
The Draft: A Bruin PerspectiveDomi(right) and Horvat(left) The Boston Bruins had 5 picks in the first two rounds of the 2013 PTPHL Entry Draft, and boy did they make use of them. The Bruins went with a rather offensive bunch of draft picks, only taking 1 defenseman with the 15th, 18th, 21st, 45th and 51st overall picks. Taking a duo of London Knights yet again shows GM Morgan's favouritism regarding Knights Players. Max Domi and Bo Horvat were united by the Bruins, using the 18th and 21st overall picks to select them. "It would be mean to split them up, no?" Morgan commented sarcastically. The Bruins also selected Darnell Nurse, Artturi Lehkonen, and American born center JT Compher. Scouting Reports on each player: Max DomiDomi is an all around offensive player. He has soft hands, and the will to win. A disadvantage is his small frame, which leaves him vulnerable to losing puck battles and getting knocked off the puck easier by certain players. Of course the bloodline is also a fun thing, as Domi is related to the one and only Tie Domi. Although it seems Tie's style did not rub off on Max. JT CompherJT Loves the puck on his stick. He has elite playmaking abilities for his level, and has that quick strike ability. Not the hardest worker on the backcheck, but hes does what hes gotta do. Bo HorvatHorvat shares a lot of Domi's traits, but to a lesser degree. He can make plays, finish plays, and backcheck well. Has the heart and guts to make it to the NHL level, but we'll see if his skill is enough to get him there. Darnell NurseThe hard hitting defenceman doesn't pull himself out of position to throw destructive hits, and knows where hes supposed to be in every situation. Looks to be a solid contributor to a powerplay, but nothing outstanding offensively ala Markov, Keith, Letang etc. Artturi LehkonenLehkonen, the only non North American skater selected by the Bruins, is yet another well rounded offensive player. Hes no slouch on the backcheck either, but scouts say he wouldn't be on their penalty kills. So the Bruins draft consisted of a lot of offensive players, trying not to pick one dimensional sniper or playmakers. It seemed they wanted to keep the fans happy by selecting a hard hitting defence, too.
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Post by jhabs61 on Mar 16, 2013 16:02:03 GMT -5
Captain for Captain, Earthquake deal in BostonBlues Captain David Backes(left) and Bruins Captain Zdeno Chara(right) taking part in the ceremonial faceoff before the gameEarly on this morning, many people were sleeping in after a long week of work. Not Bruins GM Jason Morgan. While many were sleeping, or just waking up, Morgan had been up for hours discussing a blockbuster trade with Blues GM Anon. The blockbuster trade contained both the contender's captains, center David Backes and Bruins captain Zdeno Chara. Many other pieces were involved, as the deal was a 9 player trade. While the Bruins gave up defense by dealing Chara, they also received Brian Campbell and Kevin Shattenkirk, two great multi-dimensional pivots. Boston also gave up young D David Rundblad, but the upgrade from Rundblad to Shattenkirk is positive. But why deal Chara? "I was talking to Zdeno earlier this summer and he was talking about retiring after the 2013-2014 season. I didn't want to take the risk, so I dealt him. Brian will have at least 2-3 years left in him, and can contribute in both ends of the ice" said Morgan. Although the Bruins upgraded defensively, they did have to give to get. The Bears traded young gun Jordan Caron, who will be replaced by a slightly lesser Alex Steen, a good two way player. Despite the trading of a young stud, Boston continues its youth movement. In the deal, Boston acquired St.Louis' 1st round pick, and defense prospect Jordan Schmaltz. Schmaltz had a great year in junior last year and could potentially be a key player in Providence this year. The full deal: Zdeno Chara Nathan Horton(pigface) Jordan Caron David Rundblad for 2014 STL 1st David Backes Brian Campbell Jordan Schmaltz Alex Steen Kevin Shattenkirk Boston also dealt long time Bruin Marc Savard to the Florida Panthers earlier in the week, for prospects Nikita Gusev and Dman Rasmus Bengtsson, who is expected to join Providence as well. "Needed the cap space, easy to let Marc go though. Learn to backcheck, you lazy SOB." Morgan said about the Savard trade to the Panthers. Big changes in Boston continue, stay classy Bruins fans.
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