Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli was on WEEI with Dale & Holley today and added more fuel to the trade rumor fires when he told the guy's that there was a 60-to-75% chance that the Bruins would make a move between now and the trade deadline. Going even further into detail Chiarelli mentioned that the Bruins have about $4-million to spend and are looking for a lefty to basically replace Sturm (or he's looking for a "rent-a-player") that can give the Bruins an advantage on the power play while making an impact up-front for them. Is anyone else thinking what I'm thinking? Why didn't Chiarelli just say I'm really looking at Keith Tkachuk.
Look at the fact's. Tkachuk is a hometown boy, growing up and playing most of his youth hockey in Medford, MA. Tkachuk is a solid left-winger that can still put up points at his age (on pace for his third consecutive 20+ goal season). Tkachuk has size and is not afraid to throw around his weight and fight for the puck when it's needed. Tkachuk is making $4-million this season. Tkachuk has 34-points this season, in which 14 of them came with the man-advantage. And finally, if the Bruins do move for Tkachuk it will most likely be as a rental. There is no way the Bruins would be able to afford him next season and he will most likely finish the year here and move on per norm with him. Honestly, does this not make sense to what Chiarelli said? Listen to the full Chairelli interview here.
H/T to HF Boards member v1821 for this great recap of Chiarelli's interview below:
- Never was down on Wideman even after the deal where he struggled
- A bit surprised in Wheeler; expected him to join mid year as he was always a late bloomer
- Has about $4MM to spend ; wants to get bigger in front; doesn’t want to ruin chemistry
- Wants left shooting W to replace Sturm; important particularly on the PP
- Not overreacting to SJ game; Timmy had a couple that he prob wanted back; wants to add size; Wash, SJ, Philly are all big teams; glad game ended as it opened players eyes
- Can’t split goaltending chores in playoffs; but if someone is struggling, great to have someone to put in
- Not going to comment on goalie negotiations but would be prudent if he did start talks
- CJ is a better coach than he was in Mon and NJ. He’s adapted to add offense and it has been successful with Dmen joining the rush. Is willing to change if something is not working
- It wasn’t pretty changing coaching but made the change; JJ was understanding and had faith in Chia
- There is a psychological boost to adding someone to team at deadline as long as it doesn’t ruin chemistry
- Wants to add depth but is ok with this team as is
- In a perfect world, a F and D would be nice depending on the players but confident in depth here and Providence
- Pronger is a heck of a player and would go over well here since he’s big & mean
- On Albany crash: there is a concern minor league teams driving around in a bus in winter; fortunate Providence travel is not as bad
- Not concerned that Tukka has achieved everything he could at AHL; mentioned Price won the championship not Tukka; going to have to make decisions for next year as he’s pushing to come up (implied Rask will be up next year)
- NHL has terrific program in place for steroid policy; not a sport where steroids can truly help
- 60-75% chance that B’s make a trade between now and trade deadline
As a side note, the Bruins will not be opening the 2009/2010 season in Europe. The Bruins were rumored to be one of the teams in talks to participate in next seasons opening week in Stockholm or Helsinki for the 2009 NHL Premiere event. The NHL instead has decided to go with St. Louis, Chicago, Detroit and Florida. Thank god! I don't understand the whole concept of bringing North American fans back to a game by hold events so far away from home. Same goes for the MLB playing games in Japan. The jet lag alone must suck for the players and the time zone difference is a bitch for us trying to watch at home. Stay local and screw traveling around the world. Isn't that why the KHL was invented anyways? Haha....
