Wheeler learns from sitting in the press box.

I saw this story while reading the illegal curve this morning. For the record I was surprised when Blake Wheeler made the Bruins roster out of training camp. As the season progressed I was mildly shocked that he became a legitimate candidate for the Rookie of the Year in the NHL, based on his three years of play in the WCHA. As the season wore on I have been impressed with Wheelers play and his contributions to the Bruins run towards a number one seed in the east for the Stanley Cup playoffs.

Lately his line of Ryder, Krejci, Wheeler has fallen off a bit after a very dependable scoring threat. Here is a break down of the troubles of the Ryder, Krejci, Wheeler line; Davide Krejci has 2 points in 6 games, Wheeler has 3 assists in the past 6 games, zero points in the last 4 games, Ryder has one point in the past 5 games. I think one could make the argument that some of the Bruins struggles in the last 6 games (2-3-1 record) could be linked to the struggles of this line. They need to get on the score sheet more consistantly. If you shut the top line of Savard, Lucic and Kessel the other lines need to step up and contribute.

COLUMBUS, Ohio - On Saturday, while his teammates were scoring a 5-3 win over Chicago, Blake Wheeler was in the TD Banknorth Garden press box, sharing a ninth-floor suite with assistant coach Doug Houda. They watched the game, then studied and discussed replays of certain plays.

A day later, Wheeler was back on the ice with usual linemates David Krejci and Michael Ryder, recording two shots and two hits in 16:07 of action during a 4-3 loss to the Rangers. Yesterday, Wheeler was one of six Bruins to participate in a limited practice at Dispatch Ice Haus.

Such is life as an NHL rookie.
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The early guess, from management and the coaching staff, was that Wheeler would start 2008-09 in Providence, then perhaps be worthy of a midseason promotion. But from the start of training camp, Wheeler showcased excellent skating and strength on the puck that made him a scoring threat.

In the games leading up to being scratched, though, Wheeler's legs weren't whirring the way they were earlier in the season when he was among the league's brightest rookies. When he watched Saturday, Wheeler noticed right away that the most successful players - new teammate Mark Recchi had an especially high-energy game - were the ones skating effectively. (read the rest of the article here)

Bruins looking to move Kessel?

I saw this over on Mike McMahon's Bruins Hockey blog. This is not the first time I have heard these rumblings. This makes me wonder if there might be some truth to them. Maybe just maybe; Phil Kessel could be a trade deadline casualty in the spring? From reading the messages boards fodder there seems to be a bunch of impatient and unhappy Bruins fans when it comes to Phil Kessel. Also, from watching the Stanley Cup playoffs last spring, Phil Kessel was a healthy scratch for three games before being reinserted into the Boston Bruins line up; to me that was a head scratching personnel move. It makes you wonder if his days in Boston are numbered. Nothing would surprise me after watching Joe Thornton be traded from Boston for little. Let me say I am still not happy with that move.

Bruins looking to move Kessel? That’s what the rumors are saying...

If you believe the rumor mill, Peter Chiarelli is dangling Phil Kessel and P.J. Axelsson to the rest of the NHL in an attempt to acquire a puck-moving defenseman.

Umm, no thanks.

Kessel is just 20 years old. A proven goal scorer at every level in which he has played. What do I know, I’m just a sportswriter, but I saw significant strides in Kessel’s play from his freshman to sophomore season in the league, especially after he was given his little kick in the butt during this playoff series with Montreal.

It doesn’t bother me if Axelsson, who is in the last year of his contract, is dealt. I like his play, and I love the role he plays, that of a penalty killer and defensive specialist forward, but if Chiarelli doesn’t plan or doesn’t think that he will be able to re-sign the Swede, then dealing him is the right move.

Dealing Kessel, a 20-year-old sniper, is not the brighest idea.

Plus, isn’t Dennis Wideman supposed to be the puck mover? I understand the B’s need more than one on their roster, but Wideman at nearly $4 million eats a nice chunk of cap space. If the B’s are going to add another defenseman, who is good enough for a return involving Kessel, his salary would have to be in upwards of $5-$7 million. Unless your adding a youngster still on their rookie deal (ala Kessel), then the price tag will be high. And, for a team with over a $54 million cap hit as currently constituted, they can’t afford it.

If you asked me to look into my crystal ball, I’d say that both Kessel and Axe are on the B’s roster come training camp.

Hard to make NHL bonuses (Phil Kessel mention)

I found this article while reading the Boston Globe on-line. Seems that is tough sledding when it comes to making bonuses on an NHL contract. So when you read that player X will be paid so many of millions of dollars including when his bonuses (if he reaches it) be aware that it is harder than it looks.

Earning incentive bonuses is often a bit of a reach

Last Tuesday, No. 1 overall pick Steven Stamkos signed a three-year, entry-level deal with Tampa Bay. Stamkos will earn a base salary of $875,000, but his annual cap hit will be $3.725 million because of potential bonuses, giving the forward a cap number greater than all but seven Bruins.

Stamkos, however, will likely have a hard time attaining all of his bonuses, given how difficult reaching those incentives can be.

Case in point: Phil Kessel and his $2.2 million cap hit. Kessel, who earns a base salary of $850,000, is entering the final season of his entry-level deal. Through two NHL seasons, Kessel has not qualified for any of his bonuses.

In 2008-09, Kessel could reach some of the incentives. He can earn an additional $212,500 if he scores 20 or more goals, a bonus he came one goal short of earning last season. Kessel can also make $212,500 if he records 35 or more assists, and another $212,500 if he scores 60 or more points. Naturally, Kessel is no longer eligible for the $212,500 bonus for making the All-Rookie team. While Kessel is in range of hitting the previously mentioned bonuses, it's unlikely - although the Bruins certainly wouldn't mind if he proves the contrary - that he will earn a $500,000 bonus by being named the Selke Trophy winner as the league's best defensive forward.

Conclusion: Under the collective bargaining agreement, high-end rookies carry significant cap numbers. But other than exceptions named Alex Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin, the bonuses can be hard to reach.