Kessel on the Block?
April 27th, 2008 by Jason CThe Boston Globe reports that Phil Kessel, Dennis Wideman, Glen Murray, Peter Schaefer, and PJ Axelsson could possibly be playing for a different team come October.
Murray’s name has been in trade rumours all season long and with no takers the Bruins may be forced to demote him or even buy him out. His expensive contract and declining production are the factors that other teams have refused to trade for him, and this summer will be no different. For the time being, the Bruins are still stuck with the once fearsome sniper, and if there are indeed no takers and the Bruins refuse to take a cap hit with the buy-out, they may be still forced to play him in October.
Kessel’s name being mentioned really surprises me. Although he was benched in this year’s playoffs, there is no doubt that he’s made leaps and bounds since his rookie year. He hasn’t blossomed into a Patrick Kane, but there is still ample time and if Peter Chiarelli deals him it could be a very big mistake. The slick centre should not be rushed, seeing as how Marc Savard and Patrice Bergeron are already ahead on the depth chart.
Wideman is also a name that was mentioned that surprises me. He finished second in scoring for the Bruins’ defense, and although that doesn’t say much considering their defensive corps, his 36-point campaign shouldn’t just be written off. During the playoffs I thought he was one of the more dependable defenseman for the Bruins. He is a RFA this summer and will most likely be tendered an offer sheet, although I can see him settling for a $2.5m-3m/year contract. The Bruins will be well compensated if they lose Wideman via an offer sheet, but I think having the 24-year old rearguard will be a better asset than having two first round picks.
Axelsson, the long-time Bruin and once a standout defensive player, has seen his role diminish with guys like David Krejci, Vlad Sobotka, and Milan Lucic stepping in. He has one more year on his contract at $1.85m, and Chiarelli may chose to keep the utility forward for next year.
Schaefer is as good as gone. The scoring winger had a disappoint campaign and his relatively inexpensive contract, owed $4.6m over the next 2 years, could be an attractive option for teams wishing to bolster their offensive depth. With Kessel blossoming into a scorer, Chuck Kobasew providing some speed, and the return of Bergeron, Schaefer is the odd man out, seeing as how he doesn’t really fit on a checking line either. He is my bet to be the first one out.
The Bruins did not have a spectacular season but they competed and ended up in the playoffs. They pushed the Canadiens to the brink of elimination and their efforts should be applauded. They ended their season on a high note, even though it was a loss, so I don’t expect any drastic changes to the lineup. It’s not needed. A few tweaks here and there, and this team will be a legitimate, consistent playoff contender.
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