I hated the trade when it happened, and I still do. Ritchie's not an objectively bad player, but skill is more valuable than grit. Those boneheaded hits are not helping, either.

Now, if Ritchie can stay disciplined, then BOS can still have something to be happy about. But that's a very big if.

honestly, heinen wasnt the solution anyways. it was a win for anaheim because they got the better player but its not like he was ever going to become anything in boston. If ritchie can figure it out (doubtful) he can have a solid role. but right now hes nothing but a 4th line checking winger.

Well, well, well how the turn tables

I must say I never expected Ritchie to do what he's doing now. As someone who likes the Bruins, I'm glad I was wrong about this trade. Heinen is still a good player, though; ANA has been awful in general, and he is definitely not a problem.

Nick Ritchie is elite

This trade has no winners, just losers. What a sad world.

In the end Heinen and Ritchie were not qualified by either team and Toronto took Ritchie and Pittsburgh took Heinen

and so no winners and losers

Just a question if Ritchie his 2.5m X 2 deal with the Leafs. Most first impression the Leafs could have spend that cap better.
Interesting that the the Bruins and Leafs traded UFA LWers. 3.8M X2 Foligno signed by Bruins, and 2.5m X 2 Ritchie. In both cases, I think the players were overpaid.
Leafs and Carolina exchanged UFA goalies. Leafs signed Mrzarek for 3.875 and Carolina signed Freddie Anderson for 4.5m

Mrazek is 3.8mill not 3.875mill

Honestly if Ritchie produces the same as he did in Boston and Anaheim during his early year 2.5mill is actually respectable. Considering in a full 82 season he will give you around 30-40 points. With Matthews and Marner may get 50 just through assists lul.

Foligno though yeah thats an overpay. Surprised Bruins gave him that considering his back issues. Heck still surprised hes even still playing with those issues.

As for goaltending Mrazek at 3.8m I feel is pretty respectable. Mrazek as a tandem goalie with Campbell should work out very nicely. In general he was the best choice available next to bringing Freddie back. Cause as we saw trading for a guy like Kuemper would have costed us a 2022 1st and Liligren or something. Now as for Freddie, at 4.5mill that contract will always look bad considering Waddell didnt want to give Ndelkovic 3mill and traded him for practically nothing. Now if Freddie bounces back 4.5mill could be a steal. But with his recent injury history and all these issues I feel steady vezina freddie may be gone forever.

Gee, I don't know what the Canes were thinking with Nedelkovic...seemed to be a cost efficient RFA at 3.0m. I like the Mrazek signing as I think was time for Freddie to move on especially at 4.5m. Wish Freddie well.

Think of it this way

Waddell refused to give

Hamilton 9mill
Ndelkovic 3mill

Yet offer-sheeted KK for 6.1mill and gave Freddie 4.5mill

Seems when it comes to priorities his choices are almost the equivalent to Gambling at a Casino. Lets see if it pays off