Two of the Original Six teams find themselves at opposite ends of the spectrum this offseason. Both have been active since the draft trading, wheeling, dealing, and signing in an attempt to stay relevant because in this whole new world, known as the salary cap era, you can be here today and gone tomorrow. Just ask the Los Angeles Kings.
The Bruins moved major pieces on and around draft day but when the dust settled it was clear what was left. To state it clearly it looked like this:
Lucic, Hamilton and Soderberg: OUT
Rinaldo, Draft picks and potential: IN.
To say the least, at first, the Bruins’ fan were wondering how it was new GM Don Sweeney was going to swing keeping Boston playoff contenders. While for the Blackhawks, their big movement began in the waking hours of free agency-aplooza, 2015. In a move of sheer brilliance Chicago’s GM Stan Bowman, pulled off what may become his masterpiece of post cup trades. The same man that traded Dustin Byfuglin and Andrew Ladd, post-cup, has struck again. Bowman discovered he would not be able to match the incoming offer sheets for the emerging super star, Brandon Saad, and traded him.
Although, the Blackhawks did lose Saad to state it clearly, it was a train robbery:
2 talented young forwards,
27 year old Artem Anisimov (27p, 52g) & 20 year old Marko Dano (21p, 35g)
Reliable familiar face, who had spent the year exiled in Columbus, J. Morin,
Grinder Corey Troop & a 4th RD Pick (’16)
As free agency-aplooza continued, it was Boston who came through adding a lot of grit with additions like Matt Beleskey and Jimmy Hayes. Beleskey came in cheaper it turned out than Soderberg, with his 5 years, $19 million deal. With Jimmy Hayes (35p, 72g), brother of NYR’ Kevin, his deal was signed but in exchange for even more of Boston’s stable line-up, Marc Savard & Reilly Smith. Boston’s face lift was coming out looking much better after the signing of Brett Connolly, who was traded for two 2nd Rd picks in February.
Chicago on the other hand, did not try bringing more talent in but assured young talent stays signing both, Teuvo Teravainen and Trevor Van Riemsdyk. Hoping also Teravainen will continue on the rise and TVR will be ready for the prime-time very soon. He will be asked to replace talent that has a special place in Blackhawk’ and Free Agency-apoolza, 2015, history, Johnny Oduya. Chicago appears to have decided to move on without Johnny O.
Most exciting, is what is still in the near future for these teams. Boston is attempting to sign one of the longest lasting free agent-apoolza, 2015, member Cody Franson. If he chooses to sign with the Bruins’ it might be the last time anyone mentioned Doug Hamilton to new GM Sweeney for a while. Sweeney would be able to clear his name of a questionable decision, like his predecessor before him Peter Chiarelli had done with Phil Kessel and Tyler Seguin. Sweeney it would appear has learned: it is ok to let talent go as long as you bring in appropriate talent to replace it. First, though, he must sign Franson.
Now more than ever, as they have added speed and moxy, but lack finesse. Boston must sign Franson, as rumors swirl that the trade talks for Chicago’s final and most interesting free agency-apoolza member Patrick Sharp, had moved forward without the Bruins.
Patrick Sharp has been a major part of the dynasty built in Chicago. Now, however, he has become the most frustrating part of Stan Bowman’s summer. Rumors he could have moved him 2 weeks ago to the Caps’, the Panthers & Flyers at one point or another but most recently it’d seemed as though he would call Brooklyn home next season with the Islanders. Then came Friday afternoon and a deal with Dallas that again was addition by subtraction for Chicago. They subtracted Sharp and his salary but added a needed a needed strong d-man in Trevor Daly.
Two Original 6 teams, one coming off winning the championship, while the other was the last team eliminated from playoff contention. The 2012-2013 Stanley Cup Opponents’ have diehard fan bases and strong leadership on the bench and in the locker-room. And although, one begins to re-tool, while the other begins a re-build, both have positioned themselves to once again contend.
Born and raised in Mesa, Arizona and introduced to hockey at an early age by his brother-in-law Will was benefitted by the Winnipeg Jets move to the valley. As a teen he joined the AZ Desert Youth Hockey Association (DYHA) competing in the Minor Division before promoting to the Premiere League Tier II Division. He also played at the famous ‘Spectrum Arena’ facilities for Inline Hockey Association Arizona (IHAAZ) in Chandler as a part of team ‘GEAR DRIVE’ a top travel program. He continues to participate in Coyote Adult Hockey Leagues in both Chandler and Scottsdale. He attended Mesa Community College and studied Business and Creative Writing while on a Journalism Scholarship. The father of 3 is currently an Operations Manager for ELITE PERSONAL TRAINING AND GYM in Mesa, AZ.