Brekel's Mock Off-Season 2.0

I saw a Bruins fan post up a Virtanen for Spooner swap on another site, and at first I was completely turned off by it with Virtanen's lack of success in the NHL and AHL, but after looking into it more, I wouldn't hate it. Vancouver might not be for it, so I'd be interested in their take on a deal. Wouldn't have to be a 1 for 1....I could see both sides adding to it, if needed (Bruins adding for Virtanen, and Vanocouver adding something (minor) for Spooner). But the premise of the deal is that Vancouver has interest in Spooner according to Ryan Kennedy, THN. Boston has a need for a player who actually fits the team better, and Virtanen (who may need a change of scenery after a shaky start in Vancouver) may be a perfect fit. He can come in and slide right next to Bergeron and Marchand. If he struggles, the Bruins slide him down in the lineup, and he still plays a game effective for that role.

After that, in this scenario, Boston doesn't seek a LW via trade and goes with a young player with upside. DeBrusk has had himself a solid rookie season, coming on of late and carrying it into the playoffs. Cassidy has hinted at giving him a look at a top 6 role next year already. Also for this scenario, the Bruins can't find a buyer for Beleskey and see if he can regain his form from his first season here. If he could do that, it would be huge for Boston. Kuraly, to me, fits in a 4th line role, and he subs in for anyone is struggling. O'Gara subs in for Colin if he struggles.

I think you can get Pasta for a little less. I'm not suggesting Boston should give him the shaft, but (I'm writing off the cuff here...0 research) I think that would be the largest RFA contract extension to date. He's a great player and a Kuch type contract shouldn't be expected, but I'm thinking just under $6M. Also, do you think Boston should create a term just enough so his next contract keeps him @ RFA? Thoughts?

I know Pastrnak wants to stay in Boston long term and Boston obviously has the same feeling. I think Boston would want to lock him up for as long as possible. This matches Marchand's deal to a "T". They get him under 6.5M which if he has another season like this past one, he'll easily surpass. As a fan, I want him locked up. I have no idea what Boston is thinking though.

Also, wouldn't Tarasenko's last deal be the largest? His deal was 60M/8Y = 7.5 AAV

The Virtanen trade is an interesting idea. At first glance, I was 90% for it, but after looking at his performance in Vancouver I have some doubts. Granted, its pretty difficult for a young player to reach his full potential on a dumpster fire that is the Canucks, but he wasn't even performing at the AHL level. Vancouver would have to add a pick (maybe a 3rd or 4th) for me to get on board with this.

But on the other hand this could be a low risk/high reward scenario. Spooner isn't playing another game in Boston, so we need to get at least something of value in return for him. If Virtanen can come into Boston and perform well with Bergy and Marchand, it could really help out our lines (i.e. no need to look for a LW as you mentioned). It would also provide a veteran presence on the third line w/Backes helping out JFK and Vatrano.

Okay im done rambling. Good mock.

I very generously gave you a 3 star rating. #1 problem is that Vancouver already has 3 C's in Sedin, Horvat and Sutter, so Spooner doesn't meet their needs at all. #2 you traded for a guy who's not only had zero NHL success, but also zero AHL success and you put him on your first line. That's basically obviously insane and a lack of pure logic. Even if you're trying to balance the lines, this guy won't keep up and will be back in the AHL before you know it. This would be better if you just added a mid priced UFA to play on the first line. Maybe Justin Williams for like 3Mil x2years? I don't know.... just a suggestion, I don't wanna take over your mock.... just think theres gotta be a better option than Virtanen on line 1. Lets see him prove himself at the AHL level before we go to crazy with him.