Hearing rumblings on Boston pursuing Wennberg. I've always liked the guy, I've seen him as a perfect fit 3C, a guy who is too good offensively to be a 4C but not talented in one particular area enough to be a 2C. I compare him to Pageau in my head.
I'd welcome the move, but I don't think it really addresses the need of a top 6 scoring wing. It would allow any of Frderic, Geekie, or JVR to move into the top 6 permanently, all of whom have had success there. Frederic looks ready to play up and Geekie looked really good with Pasta before, so it may be the next best thing to a top 6 wing.
Using the Monahan and Lindholm trades as references, the Bruins can't really pull off a super competitive package. Wennberg isn't worth a 1st, as he has a high cap and is underperforming compared to Monahan. Lindholm was worth a 1st, a conditional, 2 decent prospects, and a NHLer. I thought it was an overpay, but if we average hos deal with Monahans, I think we're at a middle round pick, a roster player to make cap work, and a good to great prospect.
Another move probably needs to happen to make cap work unless Seattle wants to eat a million or 2, but I threw that in assuming they'll make it work.
Here’s my thinking. Is he an upgrade over Geekie. Not really. Pretty much a lateral move at 3C and fixes none of their problems.
On top of which Geekie has been much better at C than W this year. They could make Geekie C4 but that’s a waste.
Don’t really see the point of pursuing him other than insurance versus injuries at center, which would leave them thin. For that alone i would be ok with it, but they really need a goal scorer more and they don’t have the cap space for multiple moves.
Here’s my thinking. Is he an upgrade over Geekie. Not really. Pretty much a lateral move at 3C and fixes none of their problems.
On top of which Geekie has been much better at C than W this year. They could make Geekie C4 but that’s a waste.
Don’t really see the point of pursuing him other than insurance versus injuries at center, which would leave them thin. For that alone i would be ok with it, but they really need a goal scorer more and they don’t have the cap space for multiple moves.
Sound reasoning, and I agree. I think Geekie has proven he can play up and down the lineup, as has Frederic. The loss of Poitras puts them in a situation where they have to play Geekie at C, and I think they liked the flexibility of having him on the wing at times. This would definitely be a move to make a move.
Sound reasoning, and I agree. I think Geekie has proven he can play up and down the lineup, as has Frederic. The loss of Poitras puts them in a situation where they have to play Geekie at C, and I think they liked the flexibility of having him on the wing at times. This would definitely be a move to make a move.
frederic just hasn't proven he can play center yet.
I also just can't see the bruins making a move that hurts their defensive depth without simultaneously addressing that concern. Wennberg might be an interesting depth option if all other better options have failed, and they get him on the cheap. Honestly I would be going after Gourde. I would pay up for that even though he's definitely declining.
Here’s my thinking. Is he an upgrade over Geekie. Not really. Pretty much a lateral move at 3C and fixes none of their problems.
On top of which Geekie has been much better at C than W this year. They could make Geekie C4 but that’s a waste.
Don’t really see the point of pursuing him other than insurance versus injuries at center, which would leave them thin. For that alone i would be ok with it, but they really need a goal scorer more and they don’t have the cap space for multiple moves.
I just don't think him and Geekie are all that comparable playstyle wise. Wennberg, to me, is a center-only version of Mojo. Good passer, slick skater, reliable in his own end. I like how it lengthens the lineup, it just adds versatility. If one of Geekie/JVR/Freddy/Heinen etc are having a poor game, it allows you to play them a bit less on the 4th line and you can elevate whoever looks good from the 4th.
With the lack of assets the Bs have, I'm all for getting a guy like Wennberg for cheap. Don't see them trading Forbort without another dman coming back though