Bruins Beat

what a difference a day makes

2005-09-21T22:48:00.000-07:00

From bostonbruins.com:

Bergeron leads B's to 5-4 win

WILKES-BARRE, Pa. – Zdenek Blatny beat Jocelyn Thibault with a slapper in overtime to give the Bruins their first pre-season win against the Pittsburgh Penguins Wednesday night, 5-4.

Patrice Bergeron, named the number one star of the game, recorded four points (2 goals, 2 assists) to help power the B's offense. He also scored the lone Bruins goal in the shootout. Bergeron, 20, continues to blossom and is quickly becoming one of the league's youngest talents. Just two years ago, Patrice cracked a spot on the Bruins roster straight out of training camp and ended the year ranked fifth in rookie scoring as the NHL's youngest player.

Coach Sullivan continues to be impressed by his center.

"I thought Bergeron was one of the best players on the ice," said Sullivan. "He works so hard in all areas and we can use him in all situations."

Bergeron was not the only young talent on the ice, however. The game also featured the highly anticipated debut of the NHL's number one pick, 18-year old Sidney Crosby. It took Crosby just 8:22 to register his first pre-season point, an assist on Mark Recchi's goal.

As was the case in Toronto the night before, the Bruins played shorthanded for a large portion of the game. Coach Sullivan knows it is something that needs to be addressed for the team to be successful.

"Obviously we have to figure it out pretty quickly," said Sullivan. "We need to do a better job as a team to cut down on our penalties and break old habits."

Pittsburgh wins shootout, 2-1

In the shootout, a pre-season fixture, Erik Christensen tallied to give the Pens a 2-1 win in sudden death. The score was tied at 1-1 after goals from Patrice Bergeron and Mark Recchi for Pittsburgh. . . Alex Zhamnov, Petr Kalus, Brad Boyes, Kevin Dallman, and Brad Isbister were the other shootout skaters for Boston.

Other notes

Andrew Alberts and Pittsburgh's Ryan VandenBussche dropped their gloves early in the first period. . . Boston was 3-11 on the power play, while Pittsburgh was 3-15. . . Boston outshot Pittsburgh 33 to 31 on the night.

Bruins shutout in exhibition opener

2005-09-21T07:49:00.000-07:00

From bostonbruins.com:

B's drop pre-season opener

HAMILTON, Ontario - Ed Belfour stopped all 14 Bruins shots in the 30 minutes he played, as the Bruins dropped their pre-season opener to the Maple Leafs 5-0 on Tuesday night. The referees' crackdown on obstruction was apparent, with Boston being assesed 15 penalties during the game. Afterwards, Coach Sullivan addressed the officiating.

"Part of it is going to be a feeling out process," said Sullivan. "We will quickly learn how to play in this system. It was a good chance to evaluate these guys in a game situation. There were some positives, and obviously, there were some negatives."

If there was a positive to highlight, it was the shootout. During the pre-season, all games will feature the newly adopted shootout, with three players from each team participating. The Bruins won the shootout 1-0 on a Patrice Bergeron goal. Joe Thornton and Brad Boyes were the other two shooters for Boston.

"I think it was exciting," said Sullivan. "It's a great way to showcase some of the talent in this league. It's a practical solution to end a game."

Jeff O'Neill, Mariusz Czerkawski, Ben Ondrus, Darcy Tucker and John Pohl scored for the Maple Leafs. Defenseman Alexander Khavanov picked up three assists.

O'Neill opened the scoring at 6:51 of the first period, scoring a power-play goal on a shot from the point past goalie Hannu Toivonen.

The 29-year-old O'Neill spent his first nine NHL seasons with the Carolina franchise, amassing 416 points including 198 goals in 673 games. He scored only 14 times in 2003-04. He was traded to his hometown Leafs in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick in 2006.

Toronto was coming off a 5-2 loss to Ottawa, while Boston was playing its exhibition opener.

Notes: Bruins not on the ice included Glen Murray (sore ankle), Sergei Samsonov (strained back), Nick Boynton (holdout), Alex Zhamnov, Tom Fitzgerald, Shawn McEachern, Ian Moran, Hal Gill, and No. 1 goaltender Andrew Raycroft . . . Toivonen impressed with the Bruins' AHL farm team in Providence, R.I., last winter and is expected to get the backup job to Raycroft. . . Nathan Perrott and Colton Orr, who fought in the AHL last winter, dropped the gloves in an insignificant first-period tussle.

From the Globe: Thornton was game for it - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-21-05:

HAMILTON, Ontario -- Bruins captain Joe Thornton had to come up with 23 tickets last night for friends and family to watch him play his first NHL exhibition game in two years. The native of St. Thomas, Ontario, (about 90 minutes from Hamilton) suited up against the Toronto Maple Leafs in the exhibition opener and said it was a thrill to finally be back at it.

''I know a lot of people from around this area and they've been dying for hockey for a long time," said Thornton. ''So now they can finally see it. Everyone wants to catch the first one."

Thornton said it was nice to play against someone other than his own teammates, who have been together since full camp opened Sept. 12.

''It's exciting for us," he said. ''We've been playing with and against each other for about 10 days now.

''I think it's exciting for the young guys who are playing their first game, especially against the Maple Leafs. We've got some good young guys coming up, some big defensemen. A lot of guys have left an impression on me."

Thornton had an excellent year away from the NHL. He was on Team Canada's gold medal-winning World Cup squad, then spent a season playing for Davos, which won the Swiss Elite League title. He skated in the World Championships in Austria, with Canada earning a silver medal. He's hoping that experience will help make him a better player and leader at age 26.

''I'm still young and I'm still learning," said Thornton. ''I still want to get better as a player. Gradually, I think I'll become a better captain as time comes. With the guys in the locker room, there are a lot of former captains and former assistant captains and a lot of team leaders."

With the Canadian team, Thornton was around veterans such as Mario Lemieux and Steve Yzerman, and he tried to absorb as much as he could from them.

''It's nice to be around All-Stars and future Hall of Famers and, obviously, captains of their teams," he said. ''They don't really say too much, because we had the best team winning the World Cup and [placing second] in the World Championships.

''Everyone goes out and does their job and everyone is pretty quiet at what they do. It's interesting how different guys look at games and how they get ready in different situations. It's always nice when you play with elite players, to see how they react."
He said he still cherishes the lessons Ray Bourque taught him when he was just starting out.

''Playing with arguably the best defenseman of all time, you can definitely learn a lot from him, and I did learn a lot from him," he said. ''Playing in these tournaments, you meet so many different guys. They've all been good experiences for me. I've played with some great players, and, obviously, they passed down a lot to me."

Shaky start

The new rules were supposed to result in offensive juggernauts. Last night they did. Well, at least for the Leafs. The Bruins got off to a shaky start at Copps Coliseum, falling behind by a pair of goals in the first period, and it only got worse as they dropped a 5-0 decision. Center Jeff O'Neill beat goalie Hannu Toivonen during a five-on-three advantage with a shot from the right point at 6:51 of the first. Just 1:17 later, right wing Ben Ondrus scored at even strength with a one-timer from the slot. The Bruins had a five-on-three of their own for 1:26 but couldn't convert. Toronto goalie Ed Belfour looked to be in midseason form. In 30:45, he stopped all 14 shots he faced before turning the reins over to J.F. Racine. Both Brad Isbister and Brad Boyes had great chances in the second period but Belfour turned them back. Toronto's third goal, by Mariusz Czerkawski, came at 11:05 of that period. Bruins left wing P.J. Axelsson almost put his team on the board at 17:34 but his shorthanded bid glanced high off the left post. Darcy Tucker made it a four-goal bulge when he scored on the power play with 51.4 seconds left. In the third, Tim Thomas replaced Toivonen, who had 17 saves. Thomas gave up a power-play goal to John Pohl with 2:18 remaining. Boston was its own worst enemy, giving Toronto 14 power plays while having just four.

Gill shrugs it off

Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell said reports that the team is attempting to trade veteran blue liner Hal Gill to open up salary cap space for Nick Boynton are without merit. ''There's no truth to that whatsoever," said the GM. Gill said he heard the rumors but didn't put much stock in them after speaking with O'Connell. ''I talked to him and he said not to worry about it, so I won't worry about it," said Gill. ''This is a funny game where if something happens and they can't turn it down, then they're going to deal me. If you can't sign a guy, do you trade someone to make room for him? We don't know how that's all going to pan out." O'Connell added that there was nothing new on Boynton . . . Coach Mike Sullivan said forward Dave Scatchard's groin pull isn't minor. ''Right now he's week to week," Sullivan said. ''We'll have to see. He'll go through his rehab this week and we'll go from there." . . . Neither defenseman Brian Leetch nor assistant general manager Jeff Gorton made the trip; both were with wives who were giving birth. It is the third child for Leetch and his wife, Mary Beth, who were in New York City, and the second for Gorton and his wife, Cyndi.

From the Herald: B's come up empty in opener - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-21-05:

HAMILTON, Ontario – It was no surprise that the Bruins' preseason opener last night at Copps Coliseum was a penalty-filled affair. All the preseason games in the ``new'' NHL are going to feature a lot of whistles as players and referees adapt to the tighter rules.

But the experienced lineup of the Toronto Maple Leafs took far better advantage of the numerous infractions, scoring four power play goals (in 15 tries) in an easy, 5-0 victory.

"That's going to be part of the exhibition season, trying to understand the parameters of the rules, what is and isn't a penalty,'' B's coach Mike Sullivan said. "We're really going to have to rethink how we defend. It's obviously hard to have success when you have that much time in the penalty box.''

The game was played in front of a crowd of more than 17,000, a remarkable throng that makes it obvious the return of hockey is far, far more important here than it is south of the border.

Rookie B's goaltender Hannu Toivonen had a shaky debut, yielding four goals on 21 shots in two periods of work, making the B's addition last week of veteran Tim Thomas look like a wise move. Toivonen gave up goals to Jeff O'Neill, Ben Ondrus, Mariusz Czerkawski and Darcy Tucker. Thomas played the final 20 minutes and looked calm and confident.

Veteran Toronto netminder Eddie Belfour stopped all 14 shots he faced in just half a game of action. In contrast to the succession of Toronto power plays, the B's enjoyed only five of their own.

Tough guy Colton Orr handled himself well in a first-period fight with rugged Nathan Perrott. The bout concluded with Orr flinging Perrott to the ice.

P.J. Axelsson played a very strong game, and just missed while killing a penalty late in Period 2 when he stole an Eric Lindros pass and ripped a shot from the slot off the left post.

In the postgame shootout, which will be held after every preseason game to prepare for the new overtime format, Patrice Bergeron scored the only goal for the B's while Joe Thornton and Brad Boyes were both stopped. Thomas stopped all three Toronto shooters.

No progress on Boynton

General manager Mike O'Connell had nothing new to offer on the status of unsigned free agent defenseman Nick Boynton yesterday.

It might have seemed logical for Boynton's agent, Anton Thun, to make the drive from Aurora, Ontario, to Hamilton to meet with the GM, but it didn't happen.

The two men have not talked since last week, said O'Connell, who reiterated his position that the Bruins are not going to raise their offer (thought to be some $1.7 million) and the next move is up to Boynton.

No rush on Scatchard

Center Dave Scatchard is expected to miss at least the first five exhibition games with a pulled groin muscle.

"I don't know what the timetable is for him,'' O'Connell said. "We're not going to rush him.''

O'Connell said wingers Sergei Samsonov (back strain) and Glen Murray (sprained ankle) will miss the first two games, but could play this weekend.

The Bruins host the New York Islanders Friday at the TD Banknorth Garden, then face the Isles in Manchester, N.H., the next night, before visiting Manhattan and the Rangers Sunday evening. . . . Hal Gill was among those who did not play last night. . . .

The Bruins brought 32 players on the two-game trip. The only players not to travel were those who are injured and defenseman Brian Leetch, who was in New York with wife Mary Beth awaiting the arrival of the couple's third child.

The Leetches weren't the only expectant parents. Assistant GM Jeff Gorton's wife, Cindy, gave birth to the couple's second child, Sam. . . .

The B's will be in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, Pa., tonight to face the Penguins. Rookie sensation Sidney Crosby will make his pro debut.

Bruins sign Raycroft

2005-09-16T16:10:00.001-07:00

"It's about time, Chadwick!" Let's hope they have enough cash to get Boynton signed...and soon.

Sportsnet.ca's FA tracker has him at one year, $1.3 million. Sounds like a bargain. Perhaps there will be negotiations and he will sign to a longer-term contract before the 2005-06 season expires.

From bostonbruins.com:

Bruins re-sign Raycroft

The Boston Bruins have re-signed goaltender Andrew Raycroft to a one-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. Raycroft was a restricted free agent and, in keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not announced.

"Andrew has emerged as one of the brightest young goaltenders in the NHL," said O'Connell. "That was established when he won the Calder Trophy in 2004 and finished among the league leaders overall in goals against average and save percentage. We expect that he will continue to build on that and remain among the core of our team for many years to come."

Raycroft, 25, enters his second full NHL season since the Bruins drafted him as their fourth pick, 135th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft. He played three seasons of junior hockey with Sudbury and Kingston of the Ontario Hockey League with a 58-58-15 record and 3.83 goals against average in 139 career junior games. He was named the OHL's Most Valuable Player in his final junior season in 1999-2000, becoming the first goaltender in 50 years to earn that honor, and was named the top goaltender in all of the Canadian major junior leagues that season as well. He split his first three professional seasons between Boston and their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence before breaking into the NHL on a full-time basis in 2003-04.

The 6'0", 184 lb. native of Belleville, Ontario had a breakout season in 2003-04, winning the Calder Trophy as the NHL's top rookie and earning a berth on the league's All-Rookie Team. He finished sixth overall in the league in goals against average (2.05) and fifth overall in save percentage (.926) and his 29 wins was the most by a Bruins rookie goaltender since Frank Brimsek's 33 in 1938-39. He recorded his first three NHL shutouts during the regular season and with his playoff-opening 3-0 shutout of Montreal on April 7, 2004 he became the first Bruins goaltender to record a shutout in his first post-season game since Cecil "Tiny" Thompson in 1929.

Raycroft played eleven games with Tappara Tampere in Finland in 2004-05 with a 4-5-2 record, 2.92 goals against average and one shutout.

His career NHL record stands at 35-27-10 with a 2.22 goals against average in 78 career NHL games.

tentative lineup

2005-09-16T16:10:00.000-07:00

updated 04:15 PM PST - 09-16-05

Forward Lines
LW - Brad Isbister	C - Joe Thornton	RW - Glen Murray
LW - Sergei Samsonov	C - Alexei Zhamnov	RW - Patrice Bergeron
LW - P.J. Axelsson	C - Dave Scatchard	RW - Shawn McEachern
LW - Brad Boyes	C - Travis Green	RW - Tom Fitzgerald
Defense Lines
D - Nick Boynton	D - Brian Leetch
D - Ian Moran	D - Hal Gill
D - Jon Girard	D - Jiri Slegr
Goaltenders
G - Andrew Raycroft	G - Hannu Toivonen

Payroll (RFAs are estimated qualifiers):

Murray: $4,150,000
Leetch: $4,000,000
Isbister: $1,102,000
McEachern: $1,050,000
Bergeron: $646,000
Fitzgerald: $475,000
Moran: $456,000
Scatchard: $2,100,000
Zhamnov: $4,075,000
Axelsson: $1,064,000
Slegr: $950,000
Gill: $1,596,000
Raycroft: $1,300,000
Samsonov: $2,774,000
Thornton: $6,666,667
Boynton: $1,178,000
Girard: $956,004
Toivonen: $836,000
Hilbert: $627,000
Stuart: $850,000
Green: $675,000
Boyes: $600,000

*Players in bold are signed

Total Signings: $36,321,671

Total: $38,126,671

note: "official" numbers are confirmed with nhlpa.com, tsn.ca and sportsnet.ca (terms of the contracts were not released by the Boston Bruins). Stuart's contract confirmed with boston.com. Hilbert's figure represents a qualifying offer confirmed by boston.com. Green's contract confirmed by Kevin Paul Dupont. Qualifying offers based on 2003-04 usatoday.com figures less 24% rollback.

What is also noteworthy is the list above includes 22 players. Under the old CBA, the roster can have anywhere between 20-23 players. The Bruins could shave payroll by excluding a couple of players off the roster - or they could expand it to 23.

Here's a graphical representation put out by boston.com:

Bruins sign Tim Thomas

2005-09-14T14:48:00.000-07:00

From bostonbruins.com:

Tim Thomas signs one-year contract with the Bruins, 9/14/2005

The Boston Bruins have agreed to terms with goaltender Tim Thomas on a one-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not announced. Thomas was an unrestricted free agent and will join the Bruins in training camp on Friday.

“Tim is a solid, dependable goaltender who gives us some depth at that position,” said O’Connell.

Thomas, 31, played four seasons of college hockey at the University of Vermont with an 81-43-15 record and 2.70 goals against average with nine shutouts in 140 career college games, earning two ECAC First Team All-Star berths and two NCAA All-American Team honors. He has played eight professional seasons in Europe and the East Coast, International and American Hockey Leagues and played two seasons in the Bruins organization in 2002-03 and 2003-04 with both their American Hockey League affiliate in Providence and in the National Hockey League in Boston. He played four NHL games with the Bruins with a 3-1-0 record and 3.00 goals against average in the 2002-03 season. He earned his first NHL win in his first NHL game, a 4-3 victory in Edmonton on Oct. 19, 2002.

The 5’11”, 181 lb. native of Flint, Michigan played the 2004-05 season in Finland with Jokerit Helsinki where he led the league in games, wins, goals against average and shutouts. He was that league’s only 30-win netminder with 34 and his 15 shutouts were more than any other team’s totals. He went 34-13-7 with a 1.58 goals against average in 54 games and was named Most Valuable Player of the Finnish Elite League.

bruins links

2005-09-08T08:01:00.000-07:00

September 12

Bruins standing firm: Team using leverage on holdout players - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-12-05

B's gush on prospect - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-12-05

Singular effort by Bruins brothers - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-12-05

Fight stuff: Alberts readies (Bruins Notebook) - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-12-05

September 11

Stuart: Mr. Big: B's defenseman drawing comparisons to Stevens - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-11-05

Sinden pulls sheet out from under - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-11-05

This team's a good fit for Green - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-11-05

Pair, to be fair, deserve share - Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe, 09-11-05

Three sons hope to rise with Bruins - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-11-05

Don't fall into the trap: Red line elimination not automatic fix - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-11-05

September 10

'Nothing new' to report - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-10-05

From BC to B's 'D': Alberts impresses - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-10-05

Samsonov checks in - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-10-05

Samsonov eyes future - Veteran is open to long-term deal - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-10-05

September 9

B's take a look at Alberts, Stuart - Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 09-09-05

Bruins hopefuls to stretch their legs - Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe, 09-09-05

Nothing new on Raycroft and Boynton - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-09-05

Stuart starts work on job hunt - Rookie has shot of making Bruins - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-09-05

September 8

O'Connell's contention: Bruins have a shot - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-08-05 - Suprise! O'Connell pats himself on the back.

Puck starts here: Game on for B's rookies starting today - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-08-05 - Rookies hit the ice and Harris poses some burning questions.

September 7

Will this be Boyes town? - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-07-05

Training camp at a glance - Globe Staff, Boston Globe, 09-07-05

September 4

Big assist to big Joe - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-04-05

Gill likes what he foresees -Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-04-05

September 1

B's try to budget Raycroft, Boynton - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 09-01-05 - The Herald believes the Bruins have about $33.5 million in payroll, while Raycroft and Boynton remained unsigned. I'm a little mystified as to why the Bruins would sign Gill and tie up an additional $1.5 million while these two remain in talks - except the Bruins can have leverage in the sense that they can't up their offers because they might go over the cap.

Sullivan joins US staff - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 09-01-05 - Bruins head coach named assistant coach for the olympic team that plays in Italy in February. Bruins sign Ben Walter.

August 31

B's sign Gill, await two others - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 08-31-05 - Gill signs his qualifier.

August 28

NESN revamps its hockey team - Bill Griffith, Boston Globe, 08-28-05 - NESN Bruins coverage on steroids.

Ready to rise again in Phoenix - Nancy Marrapese-Burrell, Boston Globe, 08-28-05 - Hilberts and his trade demands, how the rule changes could affect Samsonov (also talks about his contract situation).

August 25

Jacobs: Game's far from dead - Matt Kalman, Boston Herald, 08-26-05 - Apparently, hockey's popular in Canada? Thanks for the update, JJ!

Cup sighting a preview? B's family predicts big year - Matt Kalman, Boston Herald, 08-26-05 - Talking hockey from the golf course.

Jacobs finds few holes in Bruins - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-26-05 - O'Connell said the Atlanta Thrashers contacted him regarding Dany Heatley, the 24-year-old winger who on Tuesday was traded to Ottawa for Marian Hossa and Greg de Vries.

"He's a very skilled player, and we would have had to give a very highly skilled player back," O'Connell said. "We really like the guys we have." - Fellowship of the miserable, start your engines!

August 24

Gill, others finding Bruins' cap a tight fit - Fluo Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-24-05 - Let's just say if the result of having a salary cap is Gill being left off the roster, I may not be doing cartwheels, but a fist-pump will be prominently involved. If Gill's agent will "entertain a one-year deal" why did he not accept the qualifier of $1.5 million? Does Gill really think he deserves a promotion?

August 21

Bruins green along blue line - Kevin Paul Dupont, Boston Globe, 08-21-05 - Covers Raycroft's status, Green signing, the B's defensive core and more.

B's a mix of vets, youth - Douglas Flynn, Metrowest Daily News, 08-21-05

August 20

Raycroft looks to net long deal - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-20-05

It's a lock: B's live up to promises - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 08-20-05

August 19

NHL switches channel to OLN - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-19-05

August 18

Green's return to Bruins adds depth - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-18-05 - Discusses the Green signing, Axelsson & Samsonov as potential trade bait, Redden being shopped, (Chris) Bourque to Capitals, Comcast getting TV rights and more.

Green, B's re-up - Herald wire services, Boston Herald, 08-18-05 - Green, acquisitions and espn.

Raycroft, Toivonen have net covered - Joe McDonald, Providence Journal, 08-18-05 - Article about the near future of the Bruins and their backstoppers.

Bruins re-sign Green - Providence Journal, 08-18-05 - Green re-signing.

August 16

Bruins sign seven players - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-16-05 - Bruins pickup seven potential P-Bruins regulars for the 2005/06 season, but the farm system cannot be overmphasized in the new cap-era. A quick blurb about the Czech and Russian federation turning down the NHL's new player transfer agreement, which stipulates the amount of money paid to European organizations when players are drafted from across the pond. Also, Raycroft, Boynton and Gill did not accept their qualifiers.

Minor moves for B's - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 08-16-05

Another Sigalet is signed by Bruins - Providence Journal, 08-16-05 - Some more info on the seven signings.

August 14

Harry wild about lineup - Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 08-14-05 - Sinden talks a little PP, cap issues and power rankings in the East. Larry Legend on (Gretzky) coaching, Bertuzzi/Moore saga and Hossa going to arbitration.

A Chesire catch for Bruins - Fluto Shinzawa, Boston Globe, 08-14-05 - Story that timelines Brian Leetch's life and hockey career.

August 13

With Thornton on board, Bruins looking good - AP, Providence Journal, 08-13-05 - AP story about the Thornton re-signing.

Bruins think big: Thornton's deal a start - Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 08-13-05 - Discusses the Thornton deal and the lingering issue of Raycroft, Boynton and Gill.

Slegr back to give blue line a jolt - Steve Conroy, Boston Herald, 08-13-05 - Blurb on Slegr signing and him and #19 sharing the same agent.

Thornton has something to prove - AP, TSN.ca, 08-13-05 - Thornton AP blurb.

August 12

Bruins' captain in for three years - Providence Journal, 08-12-05 - Another story on the Thornton contract.

bruins sign four

2005-09-07T17:06:00.000-07:00

1. Colton Orr - RW
2. Tyler Redenbach - C
3. Pat Leahy - LW
4. Jeremy Reich - LW

From bostonbruins.com:

9/7/2005 - The Boston Bruins have agreed to terms with right wing Colton Orr, center Tyler Redenbach and left wings Pat Leahy and Jeremy Reich, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. Redenbach was signed to a three-year contract, while Orr, Leahy and Reich agreed to one-year deals and, in keeping with club policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

Orr, 23, enters his third full season in the Bruins organization since signing with the team as a free agent in September, 2001. He played four seasons of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League with Swift Current, Kamloops and Regina with 19-9=28 totals and 570 penalty minutes in 162 career junior games. The 6’3”, 210 lb. native of Winnipeg, Manitoba has played the last two seasons with Boston’s American Hockey League affiliate in Providence. He was recalled to play one scoreless game in Boston on January 8, 2004 vs. Pittsburgh. Orr, who is not related to former Bruin Bobby Orr, played 61 games with the AHL Bruins in 2004-05 with 1-6=7 totals and a team-high 279 penalty minutes in 61 games.

Redenbach, 20, was originally drafted by Phoenix as their first pick (third round), 77th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, but did not sign with the Coyotes and became an unrestricted free agent this off-season. He has played the last four seasons of junior hockey in the Western Hockey League with Prince George, Swift Current and Lethbridge with 70-187=257 totals and 180 penalty minutes in 261 career junior games. The 6’0”, 195 lb. native of Melville, Saskatchewan led the WHL in assists and points in 2003-04 with 31-74=105 totals and was named to the WHL East Second All-Star Team that season. He split the 2004-05 season between Swift Current and Lethbridge with 19-44=63 totals and 63 penalty minutes in 65 combined games.

Leahy, 26, enters his fourth season in the Bruins organization. He played four seasons of college hockey at Miami (OH) University with 39-62=101 totals and 167 penalty minutes in 135 career college games and turned pro in the 2001-02 season. He played that year for four teams in the ECHL and AHL and signed with the Bruins as a free agent in July, 2003. The 6’3”, 200 lb. native of Boston, Massachusetts has spent most of the last three seasons in Providence/AHL, with a six-game scoreless stint in Boston in the 2003-04 season. He had 1-14=15 totals with 18 penalty minutes in 38 Providence games in 2004-05, missing half of the season with various injuries, and finished fifth in the team’s playoff scoring race with 4-6=10 totals in 17 games as the AHL Bruins advanced to the Eastern Conference finals.

Reich, 26 and (pronounced REETCH), was originally drafted by Chicago as their third pick (second round), 39th overall, in the 1997 NHL Entry Draft. He played five seasons of junior hockey with Seattle and Swift Current of the WHL with 116-159=275 totals and 777 PIM in 331 career junior games, but did not sign with the Blackhawks. The 6’1”, 204 lb. native of Craik, Saskatchewan signed as a free agent with Columbus in May, 2000 and has played the last five seasons in the Blue Jackets organization with their AHL affiliate in Syracuse. He played nine games with one assist in Columbus in 2003-04. He split the 2004-05 season between Syracuse and Houston/AHL with 7-9=16 totals and 223 penalty minutes in 68 combined games.

OLN tv schedule & B's games on NBC

2005-09-01T08:50:00.000-07:00

Eight of the Bruins regular season games will be aired on OLN. Three of them are against Washington? Maybe it's the Gonchar thing, but it sounds like a bad draw. Looks like the Bruins missed out on the Crosby sweepstakes three times.

NBC will air three Bruins games on their Saturdays schedule:

Sat Jan-14 Dallas 2:00 PM

Sat Apr-8 NY Rangers 2:00 PM

Sat Apr-15 at Atlanta 7:00 PM

OLN Broadcast

DATES --- TIME --- GAMES

October 5 7:00 pm ET NY Rangers at Philadelphia

October 10 7:00 pm ET Pittsburgh at Buffalo

October 11 8:30 pm ET Phoenix at Dallas

October 17 7:00 pm ET Florida at NY Rangers

October 18 7:30 pm ET Boston at Montreal

October 24 7:00 pm ET Detroit at Columbus

October 25 7:30 pm ET Florida at Pittsburgh

October 31 7:00 pm ET Montreal at NY Rangers

November 1 7:30 pm ET Chicago at Detroit

November 7 7:00 pm ET Pittsburgh at NY Rangers

November 8 7:00 pm ET Boston at Philadelphia

November 15 7:00 pm ET Tampa Bay at Washington

November 16 7:00 pm ET Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

November 22 7:00 pm ET Tampa Bay at Philadelphia

November 29 7:30 pm ET Boston at New Jersey

December 5 7:00 pm ET Minnesota at NY Rangers

December 6 8:00 pm ET NY Islanders at St. Louis

December 6 10:30 pm ET Atlanta at San Jose

December 12 7:30 pm ET Pittsburgh at Detroit

December 13 8:00 pm ET Pittsburgh at St. Louis

December 19 8:00 pm ET Dallas at Minnesota

December 20 8:00 pm ET Colorado at Nashville

December 26 8:00 pm ET Dallas at St. Louis

December 27 7:00 pm ET Boston at Washington

January 2 7:00 pm ET Tampa Bay at NY Islanders

January 2 10:30 pm ET Dallas at Los Angeles

January 3 7:30 pm ET Minnesota at Detroit

January 9 9:00 pm ET St. Louis at Colorado

January 10 7:00 pm ET Detroit at Carolina

January 16 8:00 pm ET Tampa Bay at San Jose

January 17 8:00 pm ET New Jersey at St. Louis

January 23 7:00 pm ET Boston at Washington

January 23 10:30 pm ET Anaheim at Los Angeles

January 24 8:00 pm ET Phoenix at Minnesota

January 30 7:00 pm ET Philadelphia at NY Rangers

January 31 9:00 pm ET Minnesota at Colorado

February 6 7:00 pm ET Tampa Bay at. NY Islanders

February 6 10:30 pm ET Calgary at San Jose

February 7 9:00 pm ET Chicago at Phoenix

February 12 5:00 pm ET Colorado at Detroit

February 28 9:00 pm ET Minnesota at Colorado

March 5 7:00 pm ET Dallas at Chicago

March 6 7:00 pm ET NY Islanders at Washington

March 7 8:00 pm ET Colorado at St. Louis

March 13 8:30 pm ET Vancouver at Dallas

March 14 7:00 pm ET Buffalo at Washington

March 14 10:30 pm ET Phoenix at Los Angeles

March 20 7:00 pm ET Boston at NY Rangers

March 21 7:00 pm ET Atlanta at Boston

March 27 8:00 pm ET Detroit at St. Louis

March 28 9:00 pm ET Anaheim at Colorado

April 3 9:00 pm ET Chicago at Colorado

April 4 7:00 pm ET Philadephia at NY Rangers

April 10 7:00 pm ET Washington at Boston

April 11 7:00 pm ET Pittsburgh at Philadelphia

April 17 7:30 pm ET Dallas at Detroit

April 17 10:30 pm ET Los Angeles at San Jose

April 18 8:30 pm ET St. Louis at Chicago

Also, check out the the full schedule for the Bruins here.

Skillsy signs qualifier

2005-08-31T10:33:00.000-07:00

From bostonbruins.com:

BOSTON—The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Hal Gill, it was announced Tuesday by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. Gill, a restricted free agent, signed his one-year qualifying offer and, in keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not released.

"We're pleased that Hal signed his contract," said O'Connell. "Hal is one of our steadiest and most reliable players. He plays a lot of minutes and has been one of our highest ‘plus' players as well over the past couple of NHL seasons."

Gill, 30, has been one of the team's most durable players in his six full seasons with the Bruins, missing just 14 games to injuries over that span. He played in every game in 2003-04 and was second among club defensemen in plus/minus at +16 after leading the team in that category the previous season at +21. He scored two goals and added seven assists for nine points with 99 penalty minutes in 2003-04 while averaging 18:24 of ice time.

The 6'7", 250 lb. native of Concord, Massachusetts was Boston's eighth pick, 207th overall, in the 1993 NHL Entry Draft. He turned pro with the Bruins in 1997 following a four-year career at Providence College where he had 12-33=45 totals and 124 PIM in 131 career college games. He has played in 546 career NHL games, all with the Bruins, with 19 goals and 68 assists for 87 points and 464 penalty minutes in addition to a +45 career plus/minus.

Gill played 31 games for Lukko Rauma in Finland during 2004-05 with 2-8=10 totals and 110 penalty minutes in those contests.

Stephen Harris from the Boston Herald has more details - (B's sign Gill, await two others - Stephen Harris, Boston Herald, 08-31-05)

b's preseason report cards

2005-08-29T09:13:00.000-07:00

Grading the off-season moves:

The following is a report card on each of the Bruins players for the upcoming 2005/06 season. We're going in order of contract (high-low), and we'll tackle the top four contracts first.

Each player will receive three grades: 1)Sega Rating, 2)Contract Grade and 3)Chemistry/Fit/Importance Grade. Here's the breakdown:

“Sega Rating”: The first grade given to the player is essentially the overall player rating, without regard to the contract signed and what kind of fit they are with the team (those come next). I call it a “Sega Rating” because it would be something you see on a video game. The “grade-A” players would be in the 90-99 range, “B” players are in the 82-89 range, “C” players in the 75-81 range, “D” players in the 65-74 range, and “F” players are below 65 (although some prospects on the rise could land an “F” in their formative years.

Contract Grade: If this was a video game and there wasn’t a salary cap, then the player ratings would hold the primary weight in terms of grading the players. However, with a salary cap in place, the contract is critical to the quality of team management can put on the ice. The contract grades will follow a more scholarly scale of: A(90-100), B(80-89), C(70-79), D(60-69), F(less than or equal to 59). Personally, I think the majority of the free agents were overpaid in the new landscape. So, instead of giving everyone an F-, the contracts will be weighed against other players in the league and their subsequent contracts. If the Bruins decided not to overpay for anyone in August, they might have a payroll lower than Washington’s.

Chemistry/Fit/Importance: The third grade is to help quantify how well the team is putting the pieces of the puzzle into place and filling in their needs. John Madden, for example, might not get a Sega Rating in A-range, but his importance to a team (especially in the playoffs) could land him an “A” in this category. The popularity of a player, whether the player can put fannies in the seats, helps the score as well. Same scholarly scale as the ‘Contract Grade system’ applies here.

So, without further ado...

Joe Thornton: A/B/A

Sega Rating: 93 (A)

Thornton is arguably the best playmaker in the league. It’s no coincidence that Murray and Guerin have had two, 40 goal seasons apiece while playing the wing on his line. Joe may not always use his size as an intimidation factor, but he uses it very well in shielding the puck and still being able to dish it at the right time to a player in scoring position. The guy creates quality scoring chances on almost every shift and makes the players on the ice around him better. He has an above average shot, which he may not use as much as people would like, but if your linemate is potting 40+ a season, it’s hard to complain. His major weapon in terms of scoring is when he comes from behind the net, protecting the puck, looking for an open player and defenders don’t slide off their men because Joe will find them if they do. It looks like a lacrosse game when the attackman comes from behind the net, swirling around the crease to the front of the net and it puts the defense in an unenviable position. Oftentimes Joe would have the defender draped on him like a sweater in the process – and because of Thornton’s strength, he wouldn’t fall to the ice, which has been some sort of unwritten rule of penalty calling: “if he’s being water-skied, but keeps his feet, we’ll swallow the whistle.” However, it’s still hooking. It’s still holding. If these penalties are called in the new NHL – look out.

Contract: $6,666,667 (three years): Grade: 84 (B)

If Bruins management were telling the truth and the number one priority was to sign Thornton, and Joe knew there was no place he’d rather be, then why did it take so long to get a deal done? There are a number of reasons, most notably the fact that Thornton was going to be an UFA next year and the financial landscape was uncertain on August 1st. However, Joe in limbo during the signing period put a damper on things in terms of knowing what the balance is on the checking account when going into the signing period. They also had Samsonov, Raycroft (still do), Boynton (still do) and Gill (still do) in a similar position – so it was difficult to have an accurate gauge on estimated payroll. It seemed like management threw caution to the wind and spent for guys in the hopes that the speech given to Joe about taking a lower salary to field a better team wouldn’t fall on deaf ears. Eh? Joe still got a whopper of a contract – he’ll probably take up close to 17.5% of payroll when all is said and done.

Let’s take a look at other players in the top tier of payroll:

Jagr: $8,420,348
Lidstrom: $7,600,000
Tkachuk: $7,600,000
Yashin: $7,600,000
Iginla: $7,000,000 (three years, $21,000,000)
Guerin: $6,886,445
Lecavalier: $6,875,000 (four years, $27,500,000)
Sundin: $6,840,000
Niedermayer: $6,750,000 (four years, $27,000,000)
Khabibulin: $6,750,000 (four years, $27,000,000)
Thornton: $6,666,667 – (three years, $20,000,000)
Sakic: $6,664,797
Blake: $6,364,111
Pronger: $6,250,000 (five years, $31,250,000)
Federov: $6,080,000
Naslund: $6,000,000 (three years, $18,000,000)
Hossa: $6,000,000 – (three years, $18,000,000)
Forsberg: $5,750,000 (two years, $11,500,000)
Weight: $5,700,000

Looking at the list, the contract doesn’t seem too bad, but you can certainly make the case that many of these guys are overpaid – and a good chunk of the group have previous contracts that didn’t have cap implications when they signed the dotted line.

Overall, the Bruins didn’t get any discount on the price paid, but the number is fair from a market perspective.

CFI: 94 (A)

Signing Thornton was a big boost for the club in the box office. I’m sure a number of people were holding out on buying season tickets until Jumbo Joe was officially a member of the Boston Bruins. Although, management did say there was an extremely high retention rate on season tickets anyway. There is no doubt Thornton is one of the most gifted hockey players on the ice. He would be a great fit to any club, but has his NHL career roots in Boston and has a solid following. Because the Bruins were able to sign Murray, the fit is even better.

Glen Murray: A-/B/A-

Sega Rating: 90 (A)

Murray is still one of the premiere finishers in the league. He may not have the same total game as Cam Neely, but his ability to establish position in front of the net and complete the transaction with Thornton is reminiscent of #8. He’s steady in many other aspects of the game, which doesn’t make him a liability in almost every facet of the game. That’s essentially the formula to fall into the low 90’s range: be at the top of your position in one specialization (in Murray’s case, scoring) and not take anything away from the table in the other categories.

Contract: $4,150,000 (four years): Grade: 84 (B)

The Bruins thought they would be able to land Murray for closer to $3 million. So did I. Players getting the magic $4 probably should be getting closer to $3, however that’s not what the market dictated. Murray is an almost automatic 30+ goal scorer in a league that was dominated by defense. The four years locks him up probably for the remainder of his prime, where brass is hoping he doesn’t taper off in the coming years.

Looking at other signings in his ballpark:

Kovalev: $4,500,000 (four years, $18,000,000)
Kariya: $4,500,000 (two years, $9,000,000)
Heatley: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Palffy: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Demitra: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Modano: $4,250,000 (five years, $17,500,000)
Holik: $4,250,000 (three years, $12,750,000)
Rafalski: $4,200,000 (two years, $8,400,000)
Murray: $4,150,000 (four years, $16,600,000)
Satan: $4,015,000 (three years, $12,750,000)
Leetch: $4,000,000 (one year, $4,000,000)
Aucoin: $4,000,000 (four years, $16,000,000)
Zubov: $4,000,000
Marleau: $4,000,000
Zhamnov: $4,000,000 (three years, $12,000,000)
Giguere: $3,990,000
Jovanoski: $3,990,000
Peca: $3,990,000
Hejduk: $3,900,000 (five years, $19,500,000)

The $4,000,000 mark doesn’t seem atrocious for getting a guy who can potentially flirt with 50 goals. It doesn’t seem fantastic, either – but he and Naslund ($6,000,000) were the top unrestricted free agents in the market. Also, Murray was an UFA, something that gets taken for granted in a town where the Bruins are criticized because nobody wants to play here. Show them the money, and they’ll play here.

CFI: 90 (A-)

If Thornton was traded for a defenseman or something along those lines, Murray’s CFI might have dropped because his superstar potential hinges upon Joe getting him the puck. The chemistry between Thornton-Murray can’t be overemphasized – one of the best one-two punches in the league.

Alexei Zhamnov: B/B-/B+

Sega Rating: 86 (B)

Zhamnov is another guy who can make players around him better. He had a disappointing 03/04 season, but before that he was getting close to 60 points with 20 goals a season. He’s scored more than 60 points seven times from 1992-02, so if he can return to form, his offensive attributes should rise to the surface in Beantown. Alexei’s a guy who is gifted offensively and is not a big liability in the defensive zone, either.

Contract: $4,075,000 (three years): Grade: 80 (B-)

Zhamnov may not be as valuable to the Bruins as Murray, but he’s getting the same contract. A two-year deal might have made more sense given Zhamnov is 35, and with Samsonov’s long-term future uncertain (UFA at the end of the year). $3 million is more accurate for a guy of Zhamnov’s caliber, but the market certainly was inflated where a deal wouldn’t be able to be struck with him otherwise.

CFI: 88 (B+)

One of the issues with Samsonov in the past was his linemates couldn’t keep up with his skill in terms of changing direction and finding the right chemistry. Alexei could change all that. One of the major reasons why Selanne had one of the greatest rookie seasons ever at Winnipeg was having Zhamnov get him the puck. Granted, that was more than ten years ago, but he still has a high hockey IQ and can still create some chances for himself and especially his teammates. He immediately upgrades the 2nd line to a formidable one in the NHL. Depth has been a fatal flaw for the club in the postseason, but with the addition of Zhamnov, it could help the Bruins go deeper.

Brian Leetch: B/C/A-

Sega Rating: 86 (B)

Leetch may have lost a step or two, but he is still a solid pickup for the Bruins, a team with defense being a major concern. His offensive skills, role on the power play and leadership on the blueline are all intangibles that help bring his rating up. Also, something that shouldn’t be overlooked is his ability to retrieve the puck in his own end and make smart, quick decisions and hit his forwards on the tape with the puck. He’s won the Norris a couple of times and the Conn Smythe in the past. We may not see a repeat performance of those things, but it exemplifies the type of abilities he possessed and even in 3rd or 4th gear, he’s one of the better defenseman in the league.

Contract: $4,000,000 (one year): Grade: 75 (C)

The fact that it’s a one year works well for the Bruins. Leetch was scorned by the Rangers and it’s rumored that he will re-up if he decides to play another year. While that’s all well and good, it also gives the Bruins the flexibility to have $4 million off the books next year to look for an upgrade or help reshuffle the decks, if needed. $4 million is still a great deal of money for a 37 year old and there were other younger guys on the market that might have been a better long term fit.

CFI: 90 (A-)

Leetch is a valuable asset on a Bruins team that was lacking defensive leadership ever since Bourque left. Boynton at times seemed poised to overtake that role in the future – and who better to help the younger apprentice harness the power of the force. In that regard, Leetch boosts his CFI rating. Players can come to him for advice and support, which will also take some of the pressure off of Thornton and his premature (or maybe inappropriate) captaincy. He is one of the best skill players at his position and should add some chemistry on the power play, where his playmaking abilities kick it up a notch.

Sergei Samsonov: B+/B/B

Sega Rating: 88 (B+)

Samsonov is a dynamic forward who is lightning quick with the puck and is one of the best stick handlers in the league. He has good speed and an average shot, but with good accuracy. He can sometimes be a liability in the defensive end.

Contract: $2,774,000 (one year): Grade: 86 (B)

The contract grade would be higher, except the Bruins weren’t able to sign Samsonov to a multi-year deal, thus Sammy will become a free agent at the end of the season. The bright side is that his contract is a relative bargain. If Samsonov signed long-term, he would be commanding a contract worth closer to $4-$.5 million. Instead, he’s lumped into this group:

Drury: $2,926,000
Arnott: $2,926,000
Kiprusoff: $2,900,000
Samsonov: $2,774,000
Ozolinsh: $2,750,000
Boyle: $2,750,000
Gaborik: $2,679,000
Kozlov: $2,660,000
Morris: $2,660,000
Norstrom: $2,660,000
Rivet: $2,660,000
Miller: $2,660,000
Havlat: $2,600,000
Kubina: $2,584,000
Sanderson: $2,508,000
Malik: $2,500,000

Samsonov is certainly one of the best players in that group.

CFI: 85 (B)

With the addition of Zhamnov, Samsonov looks like a great fit on the 2nd line along with Bergeron. As mentioned with Zhamnov above, this makes the 2nd line one of the strongest in the conference. Samsonov is also a favorite with the fans – dazzling many with his moves on the ice.

Dave Scatchard: B-/C+/B+

Sega Rating: 82 (B-)

Scatchard is a prototypical checking line center. He is one of the better players in the league at his position/role, able to cover the opposing team’s top players and add modest scoring punch in the offensive end. His shot, speed and other offensive attributes are nothing to write home about, but none of them are liabilities, either. Usually, these guys are in the C to B range in terms of Sega Ratings, the key to getting a good grade is their defensive awareness and not lacking too much in any one category.

Contract: $2,100,000 (four years, $8,400,000): Grade 77 (C+)

Marty Lapointe left the Bruins this year and landed a $2,400,000 deal in Chicago. Lapointe spent his days in Boston with an albatross around his neck: a huge contract in which fans seemed to expect more out of a gritty guy that added intangibles more so than scoring punch or offensive abilities. If Marty played in Boston with a smaller contract, his popularity would have been much higher and fans would have viewed him in the same light as Isles fans saw Scatchard. That said, Scatchard is comparable to Lapointe in his grittiness and checking abilities – maybe a little less on the offensive side. Lapointe’s real value was probably in the playoffs, where his intensity and leadership rubbed off on other players. Albeit, the Bruins haven’t been able to get out of the first round with him in the lineup, but it’s tough to criticize Lapointe’s effort in the playoffs. With Scatchard, that remains to be seen. If the Bruins can make the playoffs, and Scatchard becomes pivotal in shutting down the opposition and their premiere line – the contract will be a better fit. As it stands, $2,100,000 is a lot to pay for a third line, checking center. Some of the other players in Scatchard territory:

Daze: $2,280,000
De Vries: $2,280,000
Dejardins: $2,280,000
Friesen: $2,280,000
Kaberle: $2,280,000
Savard: $2,280,000
Recchi: $2,280,000
Vokoun: $2,280,000
Shanahan: $2,280,000
Nylander: $2,280,000
Rucchin: $2,261,000
Nieuwendyk: $2,250,000
Roberts: $2,250,000
Spacek: $2,250,000
Smolinski: $2,242,000
Nedved: $2,204,000
Modin: $2,204,000
Gomez: $2,204,000
Johnsson: $2,200,000
McGillis: $2,200,000
Souray: $2,128,000
Draper: $2,128,000
Biron: $2,128,000
Handzus: $2,128,000
Sydor: $2,128,000
Scatchard: $2,100,000
LeClair: $2,100,000
Richardson: $2,090,000
Carney: $2,052,000
York, M: $2,050,000
Hannan: $2,033,000
Brewer: $2,014,000
Gagne: $2,000,000
Sturm: $2,000,000
Frolov: $2,000,000
Berard: $2,000,000
Niedermayer, R: $2,000,000
Numminen: $2,000,000

There are certainly a number of players on the list that would be more desirable than Scatchard. However, many were already signed or restricted free agents so the Bruins didn’t really have a shot at them. Lapointe may have had it set in his mind that he was already gone after the criticism he received during his tenure in Boston. LeClair has a history of back problems – never a good thing. Scatchard is a good fit on the Bruins, it just seems like the contract is not. Hopefully, it’s not deja-vu all over again due to the length of Dave’s contract (four years) where fans expect more out of a guy whose value doesn’t always show up in the box scores.

CFI: 87 (B+)

Having a guy like Scatchard on the team can be as important as having a 20+ goal scorer. He brings different intangibles to the table that help the team become more balanced from a coverage perspective. It’s a coach’s dream to be able to have a line that can shut down the other team’s top forwards, and with a potential lineup of Axelsson-Scatchard-McEachern/Fitzgerald – Sullivan may just have that. While the contract may have left something to be desired – when you look at the lineup card – Scatchard boosts the net strength of the team.

More to come…

three more signed

2005-08-23T13:00:00.000-07:00

Sportsnet.ca's free agent tracker is reporting the signing of three players: Eric Nickulas, Jay Leach and Garret Stroshein.

Eric Nickulas is on nhlpa.com with a contract of $450,000.

Garret Stroshein appears to add some insurance in the "grit" department, but little else (two goals and 450+ PIMs in the last four years and three career games in the NHL).

Jay Leach is coming off a season in Providence last year and will be most likely contuning his tenure there.

From boston.com:

Bruins sign Cape Cod native Nickulas, two others

August 23, 2005

BOSTON --The Boston Bruins have signed right wings Eric Nickulas and Garret Stroshein to one-year deals and defenseman Jay Leach to a two-year deal, the team said Tuesday.

Nickulas, 30, a 5-foot-11, 206-pound Cape Cod native who played for the University of New Hampshire, has 13 goals and 19 assists in 102 NHL games.

He was drafted by the Bruins in the third round of the 1994 NHL draft and spent three years playing for Boston and its AHL affiliate in Providence before signing with St. Louis as a free agent before the 2001-2002 season. Nickulas went to Chicago on waivers midway through the 2003-2004 season.

Stroshein, 25, played three seasons of junior hockey but was never drafted by an NHL team. The 6-foot-7, 245-pound native of Edmonton signed with Washington as a free agent in July 2003 and played in three NHL games at the end of that season. He spent last season with Washington's AHL affiliate in Portland, Maine.

Leach, 25, played college hockey at Providence College and was drafted by Phoenix in the fifth round of the 1998 NHL draft. The 6-foot-4, 220-pound native of Syracuse, N.Y., signed with the Providence Bruins before last season and had four goals, five assists and 92 penalty minutes in 62 games.

Financial terms of the deals were not disclosed.

From bostonbruins.com:

Bruins Sign Leach, Nickulas and Stroshein
8/23/2005

The Boston Bruins have signed defenseman Jay Leach to a two-year contract and right wings Eric Nickulas and Garret Stroshein to one-year contracts, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. All three players were unrestricted free agents and, in keeping with club policy, terms of the contracts were not released.

Nickulas, 30, played three seasons of college hockey at the University of New Hampshire with 70-43=113 totals and 178 penalty minutes in 106 career college games. Drafted by Boston as their third pick, 99th overall, in the 1994 NHL Entry Draft, he joined the Bruins organization in the 1998-99 season after playing one season with the independent Orlando Solar Bears of the IHL. The 5’11”, 206 lb. native of Hyannis, Massachusetts played three seasons in the Bruins organization in both Boston and Providence/AHL, winning a Calder Cup championship in Providence in 1998-99, before joining the St. Louis organization as a free agent. He split two-plus seasons between St. Louis and their AHL affiliate in Worcester. The 2003-04 season was his first full season in the NHL as he had 7-11=18 totals in 44 Blues games before going to Chicago on waivers in February, 2004 and finishing that season with 1-1=2 totals in 21 Blackhawks games. He played the 2004-05 season with Norfolk/AHL with 11-11=22 totals and 32 PIM in 53 games. Nickulas has career NHL totals of 13 goals and 19 assists for 32 points with 74 PIM in 102 career games with Boston, St. Louis and Chicago.

Leach, 25, played four seasons of college hockey at Providence College with 6-46=52 totals and 276 penalty minutes in 142 career college games. He was drafted by Phoenix as their fifth pick, 115th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft and played two seasons in the Coyotes organization at the ECHL and AHL levels. The 6’4”, 220 lb. native of Syracuse, New York played the 2003-04 season for four teams in the ECHL and AHL and began the 2004-05 season in the ECHL with Trenton where he had two assists in the first 11 games. He signed a contract with Providence/AHL on Nov. 26, 2004 and finished last season with 4-5=9 totals and 92 PIM in 62 AHL Bruins games.

Stroshein, 25, played three seasons of junior hockey with Seattle of the Western Hockey League and Chilliwack of the British Columbia Hockey League with 10-9=19 totals and 395 penalty minutes in 124 career junior games. Never drafted by an NHL team, he played his first two pro seasons with six teams in the AHL, ECHL and WCHL. The 6’7”, 245 lb. native of Edmonton, Alberta signed as a free agent with Washington in July 13, 2003 and spent most of the 2003-04 season with their AHL affiliate in Portland with 1-1=2 totals and 7 PIM in 35 AHL games. He played three scoreless NHL games in Washington at the end of that season, including his first NHL game played April 1, 2004 in Boston. He played the 2004-05 season in Portland/AHL with one assist and 109 penalty minutes in 42 contests.

top contracts in 05/06

2005-08-23T11:16:00.000-07:00

Top Salaries heading into 2005-06:

updated: 11:15 AM EST - 08-23-05

$8,000,000

Jagr: $8,420,348

$7,000,000

Lidstrom: $7,600,000
Tkachuk: $7,600,000
Yashin: $7,600,000
Iginla: $7,000,000 (three years, $21,000,000)

$6,000,000

Guerin: $6,886,445
Lecavalier: $6,875,000 (four years, $27,500,000)
Sundin: $6,840,000
Niedermayer: $6,750,000 (four years, $27,000,000)
Khabibulin: $6,750,000 (four years, $27,000,000)
Thornton: $6,666,666 – (three years, $20,000,000)
Sakic: $6,664,797
Blake: $6,364,111
Pronger: $6,250,000 (five years, $31,250,000)
Federov: $6,080,000
Naslund: $6,000,000 (three years, $18,000,000)
Hossa: $6,000,000 – (three years, $18,000,000)

$5,000,000

Forsberg: $5,750,000 (two years, $11,500,000)
Weight: $5,700,000
Nolan: $5,627,046
Nash: $5,400,000 (five years, $27,000,000)
Brodeur: $5,391,103
Theodore: $5,333,333
Bertuzzi: $5,269,333
St. Louis: $5,250,000 (six years, $31,500,000)
Gonchar: $5,000,000 (five years, $25,000,000)

$4,000,000

Roenick: $4,940,000
Kolzig: $4,940,000
Alfredsson: $4,662,894
Foote: $4,600,000 (three years, $13,800,000)
Belfour: $4,560,000
Kovalev: $4,500,000 (four years, $18,000,000)
Kariya: $4,500,000 (two years, $9,000,000)
Heatley: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Palffy: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Demitra: $4,500,000 (three years, $13,500,000)
Modano: $4,250,000 (five years, $17,500,000)
Holik: $4,250,000 (three years, $12,750,000)
Rafalski: $4,200,000 (two years, $8,400,000)
Murray: $4,150,000 (four years, $16,600,000)
Satan: $4,015,000 (three years, $12,750,000)
Leetch: $4,000,000 (one year, $4,000,000)
Aucoin: $4,000,000 (four years, $16,000,000)
Zubov: $4,000,000
Marleau: $4,000,000
Zhamnov: $4,000,000 (three years, $12,000,000)

$3,000,000

Giguere: $3,990,000
Jovanoski: $3,990,000
Peca: $3,990,000
Hejduk: $3,900,000 (five years, $19,500,000)
Madden: $3,861,000
Lehtinen: $3,824,000
Lang: $3,800,000
Brind'Amour: $3,800,000
Malakhov: $3,600,000
Chara: $3,724,000
Redden: $3,724,000
Zhitnik: $3,515,000 (four years, $14,000,000)
Hatcher: $3,500,000 (four years, $14,000,000)
Hamrlik: $3,500,000 (two years, $7,000,000)
Rathje: $3,500,000 (five years, $17,500,000)
Ohlund: $3,500,000 (four years, $14,000,000)
Mogilny: $3,500,000
McCabe: $3,458,000
Primeau: $3,420,000
Koivu: $3,420,000 (one year, $3,420,000)
Richards: $3,401,000
Kasparitis: $3,344,000
Boyle: $3,333,333 (three years, $10,000,000)
Kiprusoff: $3,333,333 (three years, $10,000,000)
Schneider: $3,300,000 (two years, $6,600,000)
Tanguay: $3,230,000 (one year, $3,230,000)
Morisson: $3,200,000
Luongo: $3,200,000 (one year, $3,200,000)
Sullivan: $3,200,000 (four years, $12,800,000)
Turco: $3,161,794
Sykora: $3,116,000
Doan: $3,002,000
Straka: $3,000,000 (one year, $3,000,000)

$2,000,000

Drury: $2,926,000
Arnott: $2,926,000
Kiprusoff: $2,900,000
Samsonov: $2,774,000
Ozolinsh: $2,750,000
Boyle: $2,750,000
Gaborik: $2,679,000
Kozlov: $2,660,000
Morris: $2,660,000
Norstrom: $2,660,000
Rivet: $2,660,000
Miller: $2,660,000
Zetterberg: $2,650,000 (four years, $10,600,000)
Havlat: $2,600,000
Kubina: $2,584,000
Sanderson: $2,508,000
Malik: $2,500,000
DiPietro: $2,500,000 (one year, $2,500,000)
Marchant: $2,470,000
Timonen: $2,470,000
Cloutier: $2,450,000
Langkow: $2,442,000
Ninimaa: $2,432,000
Hedican: $2,432,000
Rolston: $2,432,000
Lalime: $2,432,000
Lapointe: $2,400,000
Sopel: $2,400,000
Bonk: $2,394,000
Conroy: $2,394,000
Markov: $2,356,000
Poti: $2,356,000
Daze: $2,280,000
De Vries: $2,280,000
Dejardins: $2,280,000
Friesen: $2,280,000
Kaberle: $2,280,000
Savard: $2,280,000
Recchi: $2,280,000
Vokoun: $2,280,000
Shanahan: $2,280,000
Nylander: $2,280,000
Rucchin: $2,261,000
Nieuwendyk: $2,250,000
Roberts: $2,250,000
Spacek: $2,250,000
Smolinski: $2,242,000
Nedved: $2,204,000
Modin: $2,204,000
Gomez: $2,204,000
Johnsson: $2,200,000
McGillis: $2,200,000
Souray: $2,128,000
Draper: $2,128,000
Biron: $2,128,000
Handzus: $2,128,000
Sydor: $2,128,000
Scatchard: $2,100,000
LeClair: $2,100,000
Richardson: $2,090,000
Carney: $2,052,000
York, M: $2,050,000
Hannan: $2,033,000
Brewer: $2,014,000
Gagne: $2,000,000
Sturm: $2,000,000
Frolov: $2,000,000
Berard: $2,000,000
Niedermayer, R: $2,000,000
Numminen: $2,000,000

*Bruins players in bold