With Iginla gone where do the Bruins go now?
Posted 1:03 AM ET | Comments 0
Jarome Iginla made a huge impact on a 2013/14 Boston Bruins squad that many thought were destined for a second Stanley cup in four years. Ultimately though, the Bruins fell short as they were unable to get past their demons against Montreal in the second round. Iginla was a bright spot scoring 30 goals and 61 points in 78 games in a Bruins sweater while bringing veteran leadership and was as good as anyone from the Hub had envisioned he would be for the black and gold. On top of the numbers he motivated the other two members of his line in Krejci and Lucic who at times during past regular seasons have seemed uninterested. The relationship seemed like a win for both sides but the Bruins cap situation is a bit hairy to say the least. Both sides wanted to work something out as the Bruins were hoping Iginla would be willing to sign another cap friendly bonus laden deal to stay in the Hub another year and take another crack at winning the Stanley cup that has eluded him all his career.
At the end of the day this isn’t what happened and Iginla decided he needed a little more financial security for his family and decided to sign a three year deal worth 16 million to play in Colorado. I am not sure if his decision puts him closer to a Stanley cup but the Avalanche will be an intriguing team to watch next season after a breakout season last year.
For the Bruins the loss of Iginla will be a tough pill to swallow but it won’t stop this team from being a contender.
The Bruins will have to decide if they make a trade to try to improve their squad or let some of the kids in providence play. I think unless Chiarelli can make a trade that really makes sense for the black and gold he should stand pat until the Trade deadline or the boat gets rocky. Their top six is still good with Eriksson moving in to Iginla’s spot alongside Krejci and Lucic on paper for now. When the three teamed up last Eriksson had a four point night even though it was all assists it was the kind of production the Bruins were hoping for when they acquired him. The Bruins have options in the farm in guys like Spooner, Florek, Fraser and Khokhlachev. Both Fraser and Florek have made an impact for the Bruins during the 13/14 campaign but Spooner and Khokhlachev are very interesting options at least in my eyes. Khokhlachev enjoyed a very strong campaign with 21 goals and 57 points in 65 games while adding 9 goals and 14 points in 12 games during the Calder playoffs. Khokhlachev might be the sniper the Bruins have been looking for and could be ready to make the jump next season.
Spooner is another guy who has flashed some offensive brilliance as a playmaker and could be the guy to dish the puck to Khokhlachev. Spooner had 35 helpers and 46 points in 49 games for Providence while adding nine helpers and six goals for 15 points in 12 games during the Calder playoffs. Spooner has been up and down briefly for the Bruins but the 2014/15 season maybe his season to shine whether there is a spot at his natural position of center or not this time around. Both Spooner and Khokhlachev could be ready to make an impact offensively and add the speed the Bruins need to keep up with the rest of the division come playoff time.
At the end of the day this isn’t what happened and Iginla decided he needed a little more financial security for his family and decided to sign a three year deal worth 16 million to play in Colorado. I am not sure if his decision puts him closer to a Stanley cup but the Avalanche will be an intriguing team to watch next season after a breakout season last year.
For the Bruins the loss of Iginla will be a tough pill to swallow but it won’t stop this team from being a contender.
The Bruins will have to decide if they make a trade to try to improve their squad or let some of the kids in providence play. I think unless Chiarelli can make a trade that really makes sense for the black and gold he should stand pat until the Trade deadline or the boat gets rocky. Their top six is still good with Eriksson moving in to Iginla’s spot alongside Krejci and Lucic on paper for now. When the three teamed up last Eriksson had a four point night even though it was all assists it was the kind of production the Bruins were hoping for when they acquired him. The Bruins have options in the farm in guys like Spooner, Florek, Fraser and Khokhlachev. Both Fraser and Florek have made an impact for the Bruins during the 13/14 campaign but Spooner and Khokhlachev are very interesting options at least in my eyes. Khokhlachev enjoyed a very strong campaign with 21 goals and 57 points in 65 games while adding 9 goals and 14 points in 12 games during the Calder playoffs. Khokhlachev might be the sniper the Bruins have been looking for and could be ready to make the jump next season.
Spooner is another guy who has flashed some offensive brilliance as a playmaker and could be the guy to dish the puck to Khokhlachev. Spooner had 35 helpers and 46 points in 49 games for Providence while adding nine helpers and six goals for 15 points in 12 games during the Calder playoffs. Spooner has been up and down briefly for the Bruins but the 2014/15 season maybe his season to shine whether there is a spot at his natural position of center or not this time around. Both Spooner and Khokhlachev could be ready to make an impact offensively and add the speed the Bruins need to keep up with the rest of the division come playoff time.