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Boston Bruins: Rumors Ahead of Free Agency

By Robert Doherty

Mar 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) and center Steven Stamkos (91) congratulate each other after they beat the New York Islanders at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Islanders 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 25, 2016; Tampa, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Lightning goalie Ben Bishop (30) and center Steven Stamkos (91) congratulate each other after they beat the New York Islanders at Amalie Arena. Tampa Bay Lightning defeated the New York Islanders 7-4. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Free agency officially opens Friday at noon and the Bruins are rumored to be in on all kinds of good stuff.

Good to talk about not necessarily good for the long term plans of the team or even realistic in some cases.

First off is the big fish that any team with the cap space would love to have, Steven Stamkos. It would be fantastic to have an elite offensive player in black and gold but the two don’t really mix well, ask Tyler Seguin about it. The Bruins do have the cap room to offer Stamkos something in the 10-12 million per year ballpark, but too many other things would have to be set up to happen. It would probably push David Krejci out the door, which wouldn’t be that easy given his no movement clause.

After that the teams identity would have to change. Stamkos is not the same type of two way center that the Bruins love to have, there would be an adjustment period there. Eventually, if not right away Stamkos would be getting a letter on his sweater which could cause some issue if anyone involved thought it should be the third letter in the alphabet.

Apr 7, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) looks to pass against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Winnipeg won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 7, 2016; San Jose, CA, USA; Winnipeg Jets defenseman Jacob Trouba (8) looks to pass against the San Jose Sharks in the second period at SAP Center at San Jose. Winnipeg won 5-4. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /

The only thing keeping the Bruins alive in the Stamkos thing is the fact that they have almost no need for him and a huge need on defense. It would be so Bruins like to address the huge team need by doing the opposite, so they are not out of it yet!

The next big rumor out there is the Bruins putting together a huge offer sheet for Jacob Trouba of the Winnepeg Jets.Making offer sheets to other teams restricted free agents is usually not a good idea. When you have some RFA’s they will get offer sheets and force your hand, someone Like David Pastrnak who is a RFA next season would be a definite target.

The rumored offer for Trouba would cost the Bruins huge money which is not that big of an issue due to the cap space that they have, losing four first round picks for him is a big issue. Trouba is 22 years old and has potential to be a top paring player, but what if he isn’t? A huge problem that this team has had over the years is a weak drafting and a poor prospect pool. Giving up four future first rounders could be monumentally bad if Trouba and recent picks don’t pan out.  Why not wait for Trouba to sign and just offer a trade with a player and or prospect going with one or two picks?

Next: Red Sox Add New Starter Aaron Wilkerson

Hopefully Don Sweeney can find a way to fix up the holes on the roster without taking too big of a risk.

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