As the summer comes to an end and the impasse continues it would appear that the Boston Bruins might be ready to move on with out Phil Kessel. I can't imagine what the line up in Boston will look like without the talented forward in the mix. I don't think there are any forwards in the current line up that can score 35-45 goals like Kessel can. I also am sick and tired of the argument that Kessel isn't physical enough, not everyone is going to check people through the boards. The same people that do aren't as skilled offensively as Kessel, Cam Neely is no longer in the line up. Lastly, I want to know what KPD has against this kid? You have to wonder if Kessel stiffed him on an interview one time and now he is trying to get the kids shipped out of town.
The Bruins, with some $55 million committed for next season, have tried to convince Kessel to sign a deal that would increase the payroll to around $59 million, forcing Chiarelli to ditch a roster player in the minors or offload salary via trade. But thus far none of Boston’s offers has been to Kessel’s liking.
“Nothing has really changed,’’ Chiarelli said, noting that at least three clubs have contacted him in recent weeks to try to trade for Kessel, who last season scored 36 goals. “I’d like to have him in the mix, but obviously he’s not . . . and obviously teams are interested.’’
Some four months after his club lost to Carolina in the second round of the playoffs, and with Kessel still unsigned, Chiarelli said he finds himself at what he referred to as a “philosophical impasse’’ in regards to signing his third-year right wing.
“While you like to bring along players of skill and youth and keep them in your organization, I also have to be cognizant of other dynamics,’’ said Chiarelli.
Such as a payroll already at about $55 million. Such as a roster that on July 1 will have top scorer Marc Savard reaching unrestricted free agency and young standouts Milan Lucic and Blake Wheeler reaching the same restricted free agency plateau where Kessel now stands. Such as adhering to a style of play that is centered on defense and all-around grittiness and physical play, ingredients that are not key components of Kessel’s game.
To make room for Kessel, the obvious move for Chiarelli would be to offload another right wing, Michael Ryder, who stands to make $4 million each of the next two seasons. But Ryder is a favorite of coach Claude Julien, his former mentor in Montreal, and if that were a path Chiarelli cared to choose, he would have done it weeks ago, not now with NHL training camps set to open this weekend. [Boston Globe] [Cross posted at MNV.COM]
I don't know all the specifics and dynamics of this situation, but Goon man, you have to start wondering what is Kessel really wanting?? Do you think he's looking for a humongous deal?? I'm going with that. Bruins probably look at him as a kid who had a great goal scoring year, but also look at his years so far with the organization.. Only times I've heard about him were when he was getting excused from practices and games for personal reasons, then multiple surgeries.. I just don't think his stock is very high in the organization..
ReplyDeleteI could be wrong, but with the amount of RFA's coming up, they can't overspend, otherwise kiss their cap space good bye, as it'll determine what the B's do for their other players in the next year or two..
Blues will be in a similar situation with Erik Johnson, David Perron next year. As those 2 signings will directly correlate with Oshie's and Berglunds future.
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ReplyDeleteReading thye articles from around the web it appears that the GM of the Bruins tendered an offer and there has been no movement at all, kind of a take it or leave it thing, I also think he is trying to prove a point to the young player.
ReplyDeleteAs each year goes by since 2004 I think the salary cap is really becoming more of a mess than some have ever invisioned. Now we have players signing 12 year contracts into their 40's and most of us know they will never play that long, unless 40 becomes the new 30 and I don't think that is the case.
It will be interesting to see what happens in Boston, Chicago and St Louis. I don't know how Chicago is going to sign Kane and Towes next season with the Salary cap falling.