I was going to say you're getting Hanifin. 😁

i like the overall concept of letting Grzelcyk walk in favor of Hanifin. I'm cool with that term given Hanifin's age.

There are a couple of things I wouldn't be happy about with this roster moving forawrd.
First off, Heinen deserves a raise. He'll get it.
I think it's pretty clear that Ullmark will not be with the team beyond next season. I really think the team has to get some assets, and let sway take over the net.
I would much prefer an option other than Smith as the 7D.

I also think Sweeney has to get an extension done for Frederic in this off-season. I don't think the number is going anywhere but up.

I like this and the deals given out... only difference is I think Lysell gets a look next year and I would shift Zacha to LW with Poitras in the top-6 (assuming he makes a jump in development next year).

Marchand - Coyle - Debrusk
Zacha - Poitras - Pasta
Freddy - Geekie - Lysell
Merk/Lauko - Beecher - Heinen

Been saying this since Christmas - lock Freddy up long-term on a team friendly deal

well, they do have to wait until July 1st to do so.

Freddy has one more year left on his deal so his extension doesn’t matter but will come at some point

I think a sophomore slump for Poitras is far more likely. It's been pretty clear that he's running out of gas.

Gryz is 100% gone. Heinen makes 775k right now so technically a raise but I hear what you’re saying maybe 1.2 not giving him more. I believe Ullmark will be here. Smith is a good 7th D but you also have other kids who could take a jump. Ragula/challahan 2 best dmen in providence this year

Merk isn’t a 4th liner. And Lysell will have to earn it out of camp not ready to project him in lineup yet

I would absolutely not count Grzelcyk as 100% gone. That's ridiculous. He's had a tough year for sure. I think he's been pretty banged up, but he's been awesome for the bruins for the past five seasons, drawing a lot of top pair duty. If he gets healthy and plays like he usually does, I can absolutely see sweeney giving him another three year ticket. actually, i think it's more likely than not. 100% gone is preposterous.

He is a 30 year old small dman with shoulders held together by twine and glue. He has been a very good Bruin and great with Mcavoy but he was scratched in the playoffs and play has declined. his time is over here. He would’ve been extended already. I will put money on 100% gone

you in the room? you know sweeney or neely?

that's just such a dumb take. Let me fix it for you:

"I think Grzelcyk is likely gone."

how hard is that? why sound like a clown when you don't have to?

How much of his previous production attributable to playing next to McAvoy - sure he is a legit NHL defenseman, but he hasn't aged well, has had injuries, and is definitely overpaid at nearly $3.7M AAV for what he is contributing now.

I agree about Merk not being a 4th liner, but maybe he has to develop that part of his game the way Freddy/Marchand did to make the team. Merk and Lysell have had very similar production this year - Lysell has the higher ceiling IMO and there are more opportunities at RW than there on the left side

Jwrib12. Thanks for thoughtful analysis and your comments.

Because we have history to look at. Krug was not resigned because we had gryz. Gryz will not be resigned because we have lohrei and decline in play/injuries. Use that old noggin

I wouldn't bet on it. Running out of a gas as a 19 year old rookie... sure, but he's been in and out of the lineup. Give him a full-year in an NHL offseason program and time to recharge. I think he will be fine. Hard to imagine a 19 year old not developing at all from his rookie season.

you really aren't understanding this. you don't know what is going to happen. you have no guarantees. as i've stated, you might be right that they move on from gryzlcyk. But saying, "ohhh they moved on from this defensemen four years okay, so they're 100% moving on from this guy," is just so dumb.

the term sophomore slump exists in professional sports for a reason....it happens absoutely all the time.

I know all of them. 🤭

I wouldn’t be so sure about a sophomore slump for Poitras his vision and in game awareness is excellent he plays a very mature game for a 19 year old
The way I see it this season the Bruins are playing with house money on Poitras he’s way ahead of schedule and his performances this year change the long term outlook of the team

where on earth did i say i was sure about it?

I think it's more likely than a huge jump forward - no need to put words in my mouth.

And when I’m right is it still dumb? Or do I just have a better understanding of business than you

The only thing is I’d expect you’ll have to pay a 3rd for the 8th year to whoever holds Hanifin’s rights come the offseason.

you're just really not getting it, are you? its the line of thought regarding certainty that's dumb - not the opinion of the player. embrace this: you do not know with absolutely certainty what the boston bruins are going to do.