Bruins sign, trade, lose a coach and rumors galore

The Bruins are certainly keeping things interesting in late June folks. As you all know by now, Boston was involved in a trade Tuesday with Florida.

The Bruins traded fan whipping boy, Dennis Wideman, the number 15 selection in Friday's draft and a 2011 third-round pick to Florida for Nathan Horton and Greg Campbell.

Campbell will likely be Boston's fourth line center, or extra forward while Horton is expected to be the Bruins first line right wing. Horton has topped the 30 goal mark once in his NHL career, but is hoping to make it twice while playing with a top play-making center.

Now, on to today where the Boston Bruins signed a young fan favorite, Johnny Boychuk to a two-year extension. Boychuk will hold a $1.875 million annual cap hit. Boychuk asserted himself in the post-season and was rumored to be getting a possible three-year, $7 million deal from his hometown Edmonton Oilers if he waited for July 1. Boston is very happy that Boychuk decided to sign now and not test the market.

Also today, the Bruins lost assistant coach Craig Ramsey to the Atlanta Thrashers. Ramsey, 59, will be the head coach of a team that has been as active as the Bruins.

The Thrashers have added three Stanley Cup champions including Dustin Byfuglien in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks so they are trying to build a contender in the ATL.

Ramsey has almost 40 years of NHL experience and is known as a players coach. The Boston players will certainly miss Ramsey's soothing presence in the locker room.

One other side note coming out today is that Tim Thomas is willing to waive his no-trade clause given the right opportunity. Tim Thomas' agent Bill Zito has been granted permission by the Boston Bruins to seek a trade for his client according to TSN's Darren Dreger.

Thoms and Zito are not actively looking for a trade, however, they are trying to gage certain teams interest.

One final note I've been passed is that Mark Recchi and Blake Wheeler have a good chance of re-signing with the Bruins. Both could sign prior to July 1, with Recchi likely to be the first of the two.

Things should be interesting tomorrow as well with the NHL draft taking place in Los Angeles. NHL sources are expecting Boston to be active and do some dealing. Also, Boston will end up with one of the drafts crowned jewels in either Taylor Hall or Tyler Seguin.

Are you ready for the hurricane that will be Friday Boston? Oh, and did I mention that NHL free agency opens one week from today?

This week in Bruins nation

Hello Bruins fans. As you can see by looking at the page I have been slacking with the blog. I have gotten incredibly busy, but no excuses.

It has been a busy week for the Bruins despite it being June. Let us first start with the concrete news.

Shawn Thornton will be back in black and gold for the next two seasons. Thornton signed a two year deal worth slightly over $800,000 per season. This is no surprise that the Bruins would bring back Thornton as they need to keep an enforcer to protect their stars and Thornton is a good locker room guy.

The Bruins also re-signed Dennis Seidenberg to a four-year extension. It's for $13 million, giving him a $3.25 million annual cap hit. This did not come as a surprise for me either as Seidenberg was adament about signing early. If you recall, he did not sign until September last season.

Now, let the rumors start flying!

League sources are saying the Bruins prefer Taylor Hall to Tyler Seguin. The proposed trade is the #2 pick & Blake Wheeler for Edmontons #1.

Another hope is that the #Bruins can dangle their No. 15, No. 32 or No. 45 pick to someone for a goal scoring wing. The Chicago Blackhawks will be looking to deal at least one of their talented wings this off-season, look for Chicago as a possible trade partner.

Finally, multiple sources are saying that the Bruins are looking to trade for the #3 pick held by the Panthers to also acquire a young stud defenseman.

All of the speculation will continue as the NHL draft is less than three weeks away now. Keep coming back to BruinSpace for your updates on all things Bruins all season long.

Bruins sign Alexandrov

The Boston Bruins have signed 2006 second round draft pick Yuri Alexandrov to a two year entry-level contract. The team issued the following statement on its website yesterday.

BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has signed defenseman Yuri Alexandrov to an entry-level contract. Per club policy, financial terms of the deal will not be disclosed.

The 21-year-old Alexandrov has played the last five seasons in his native Russia for his hometown club Cherepovets Severstal of the KHL. He set career highs in games played, goals and assists last season after recording 6-15-21 totals in 56 games.

During his five seasons for Cherepovets, Alexandrov has skated in 206 regular season games and has notched 16-27-43 totals. He has also appeared in 15 postseason contests.

Alexandrov played for Team Russia in the 2007 and 2008 World Junior Championships.

The 6'1'', 185-pound native of Cherepovets, Russia was selected by the Bruins in the second round (37th overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.

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It is expected that Alexandrov will start the 2010-2011 season with the Providence Bruins.

The beginning on an era; It's Tuukka's time

After Thursday's 3-0 beat down at the hands of the Pittsburgh Penguins a lot of Bruins fans jumped from the bandwagon; some for good.

It was the most hyped Bruins game of the season, rivaling even the Winter Classic. Tickets were being scalped for twice as much as a Celtics-Cavaliers and even Celtics-Lakers games.

With Bruins fever in the air once again, it seemed that the black and gold could save face in an otherwise disappointing season. The fans had placed a fictional bounty on the head of Matt Cooke, and were willing to pay long into the night for multiple acts of violence towards the newest Boston villain.

Cooke was the most hated cheap shot artist in Boston since Ulf Samuelsson, and Daniel Day-Lewis might as well have starred in the game as fans were expecting blood.

Things started off well enough, with Matt Cooke throwing down with Shawn Thornton. Thornton took the decision and the crowd was pumped for what they thought would be the start of something more.

Long story short, the something more with Cooke never came and the Bruins got blanked 3-0. The loss left a sour taste in people's mouths and have a lot of people tuning out the Bruins for Red Sox Spring training.

With a dozen games to go, Boston will continue to fight for a playoff spot, but at the same time will look towards their future. Tuukka Rask has been the goaltender of choice for coach, Claude Julien since February and look for that to continue down the stretch.

After last season's Vezina trophy winning season, people expected Tim Thomas to carry much of the load in the 2009-2010 campaign. Well, things change, and last season's best goaltender was being out played by a 22 (Now 23) year old goalie of the future.

Rask has been nothing short of spectacular posting the league's best goals against average (GAA) at 2.12, and second best save percentage at .928%.

While Thomas hasn't been awful carrying the 16th best GAA at 2.57 , he has been mediocre and mediocre just doesn't cut it when you're carrying a $5 million cap hit and are the reigning Vezina trophy winner. Here are how the two keepers match-up.

Goalie Min GAA W L OT SO Sv%
Tim Thomas: 2291 2.57 15 17 8 4 .914
Tuukka Rask: 1984 2.12 16 10 4 3 .928

The numbers speak for themselves and Rask gives the Bruins the best chance to win. The question has been asked, who will start for Boston if the make the playoffs? The answer is simple, it will be Rask.

With Rask being appointed the starter going forward, the Bruins have to ask what are they going to do with Tim Thomas. The answer is try and shop him this off-season.

Thomas' name was thrown around at the trade deadline to contenders like Washington and Chicago, although nothing occurred. However, in the off-season teams have a lot more room to deal with and will be more aggressive trying to nab a goalie like Thomas.

Thomas will make $6 million next season, but that goes down to $5 million in 2011-12 and then $3 million in 2012-13. It is not the worst deal in the world for a guy that still has some game left in the tank.

Teams that could possibly be interested in Thomas include, Dallas Stars, Detroit Red Wings, Philadelphia Flyers, Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals.

Thomas does have a no trade clause in his contract, however, and can block any trade. Thomas would likely waive his no trade to play in Detroit. Thomas of course grew up in Michigan and would love to play in hockey town.

That being said, a trade will be very difficult for the Bruins to work out. A trade, however, will likely be a priority for Peter Chiarelli seeing as how Boston will have a lot of holes to fill and cap room is limited.

It looks as if the Thomas era is over in Boston and it sure was a dandy of a ride. With the tank being out played it is time to usher in a new era for the stretch run.

It's Tuukka time, and it may be for many years to come.

Bruins and Chara to talk extension come July

The Toronto Sun has reported that the Boston Bruins are likely to talk extension with Zdeno Chara this summer. Chara is currently signed through the 2010-2011 season, but when it comes to a big time defenseman you always want to try and get him wrapped up before he hits the market.

Oh, and did I mention he is your captain in addition to your best defenseman? My advice to the Bruins is, get it done.

However, there is a lot of business to take care of before the Bruins can get to Chara. Boston has 11 players who will be due for a new deal come season end. The list includes, Mark Recchi, Steve Begin, Miroslav Satan, Shawn Thornton, Andrew Ference and Dennis Seidenberg make up the list of UFA's. Blake Wheeler, Daniel Paille, Vladimir Sobotka, Johnny Boychuk and Mark Stuart will be the RFA's.

Now players like Begin, Satan, and Ference will likely be shown the door, and then Recchi will likely retire. Seidenberg should be a guy that Boston trys to re-sign. The black and gold need another rugged defenseman and Seidenberg is that, however there will be multiple teams in on him and the B's won't have the most cap room.

Entering Monday, the Bruins will stand a lonely point ahead of the New York Rangers for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Eastern Conference. Boston will face-off against the New Jersey Devils and the one that got away (Ilya Kovalchuk) on Monday night.

This is a big game for Boston, as they have two games in hand on the Rangers, but if they continue to drop hockey games, those games in hand will mean nothing.

So, Peter Chiarelli you thought you had a headache at the trade deadline, wait until this summer when you have to try and re-tool this flawed roster.

Savard diagnosed with Grade 2 concussion

Marc Savard was diagnosed by Dr. Peter Asnis on Monday as having suffered a Grade 2 concussion. Asnis has not determined how much time Savard will miss.

However, the NHL does require players to miss at least one week with a concussion. I have received a lot of texts asking the difference between the three grades of concussions.

Doctor P. Dean Cummings gives the following analysis of a Grade 2 concussion.

The difference between a Grade II and a Grade I concussion is the presence of post-traumatic amnesia (loss of memory after the injury). After sustaining a Grade II concussion, an athlete does not remember events following the impact and may not be able to recall events that led up to the injury.

Athletes are removed from competition for the day after suffering a Grade II concussion. A complete neurologic (nervous system) examination of the athlete is performed immediately. If there are no neurologic symptoms, the athlete may be sent home provided that friends or family members are able to frequently check on the athlete over the next 24 hours. Otherwise, the athlete may be required to stay in a hospital for a 24-hour observation period.

The injured athlete is re-evaluated the following day and again in one week by a physician. If there are no symptoms after one week and no symptoms during testing (both at rest and with exertion), the athlete may return to practice or competition. If an athlete suffers a second Grade II concussion, he or she is removed from competition for a period of one month. An injured athlete may return to play only after exertional testing reveals no symptoms. If a third Grade II concussion occurs, the athlete is removed from competition for the season.

So, after reading Dr. Cummings summary of a Grade 2 concussion things do not seem as bad as they once did. Hopefully Savard will feel strong and be able to return to the ice this month.

The bare minimum here for Savard will be an absence of three games, as Boston has three games this week. Next Monday Savard will be re examined and likely there will then be a timeline put on his return date.

Bruins lose more than a game in Pittsburgh

So, what happened this weekend? On Saturday, Michael Ryder decked Blake Comeau from behind and received a 10 minute misconduct. There has been no word on whether Ryder will be suspended as of Sunday night.

Then today, Marc Savard was blind sided by Matt Cooke in the third period. People are clamoring for a massive suspension for Cooke. However, Mike Richards laid a similar hit on David Booth earlier this season and received no suspension.

If you don't believe me, check out the video's yourself?

Richards on Booth: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSILVbnofZM
Cooke on Savard: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_F7LEZ78_o

Now, Cooke did hit lead with the elbow, where as Richards got a little more of the shoulder involved. However, Richards got zero games, which means Cooke may only have a few games to sit, if that.

League policy requires players who have suffered concussions to sit out at least one week, Savard will miss at least three games. This means that Savard will at least miss games against the Leafs, Flyers and Habs.

The Bruins released this update on Marc Savard Sunday evening.

Marc lost consciousness briefly on the ice after being struck in the head. He suffered a concussion from the hit. He was not transported to a hospital, but will remain at the team hotel in Pittsburgh with a member of the Bruins' medical staff tonight as a precaution.

No further update on Marc's condition is expected tonight.

Now, apart from the weekend of the dirty hit, there were points at stake. Boston split their games this weekend and currently sit in eighth place in the Eastern Conference.

Finally, a lot of you were upset that the Bruins didn't add a significant piece at the trading deadline. Well according to the Ottawa Sun, that piece could come this June.

The Sun reports Tomas Kaberle has a list of three teams he would waive his no trade clause to go to. Those teams are the Rangers, Bruins & Flyers. I would bet Boston will be heavily involved in the Kaberle sweepstakes this June as they were last June when Phil Kessel was nearly moved on draft day for Kaberle.

A heavy day in the hub for its hockey fans. Monday will be a big day when a further prognosis will come out on Marc Savard. Let's all hold our collective breath.

Bruins deadline deals dissapoint

The trade deadline has come and gone, and the end result is not what Bruins fans were looking for. In fact there are likely many Bruins fans jumping off the bandwagon that got pretty full in 2009.

On trade deadline day, the Bruins made some lateral moves, here is the list.

- Boston traded Derek Morris to Phoenix a fourth round pick in 2011. The pick will be a 3rd round pick if Morris signs with Phoenix in the off season. Morris will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

- Florida traded Dennis Seidenberg and Matthew Bartkowski to Boston for Craig Weller, Byron Bitz and a second-round pick in 2010.

Trying to pick winners and losers at the trade deadline is difficult. TSN's Bob McKenzie stated that the Bruins are his biggest loser for the 2010 trade deadline and that the Boston brass knows it.

After watching Peter Chiarelli's 4:30 p.m. press conference today, you can tell that he certainly knows it. The biggest need for the black and gold was goal scoring and even though the talent level was on the low end it is still difficult to come up empty.

If you follow BruinSpace on twitter - http://twitter.com/bruinspace - you would have received the updates throughout the day on potential trades. Yesterday I noted that Marek Svatos and Dennis Seidenberg were two defensemen the Bruins were in on, and Seidenberg did end up here.

After looking at all of the team's moves around the league, I still predict Boston will make the playoffs. However, it would be difficult to expect them to escape the first round.

ESPN's Pierre LeBrun spoke with Chiarelli and the Boston GM said he tried hard to add up front but the price wasn't right.

Well, the price is wrong for now fans, but here's a glimmer of hope for everyone. The Toronto Maple Leafs sold off more players today and look like a slam dunk to obtain a top two pick for the June entry level draft. That would likely net you one of the top two forwards who have been mentioned non stop since the start of the season.

For the record, I am hoping for Taylor Hall...


UPDATE: Bob McKenzie responding to me asking about him branding the Bruins the loser of 2010 draft day ... "Loser label is just a TV device. Real point is they tried to get offensive Fwd and came up short. Sure they are disappointed."

My thanks to Bob McKenzie for getting back to me. He is one of the best.

Monday trade rumor quick hits

Hello fans, here are the rumors flying around out there as of 7 p.m. on Monday evening.

First things first, Peter Chiarelli will hold a press conference on Wednesday at the TD Garden at 4:00 p.m., regardless of whether or not the team makes a trade.

The Bruins are in on Teemu Selanne (Per the Boston Globe) and Dan Hamhuis.

It is going to take a lot to get the Finnish Flash out of Anaheim, but if there is a player out there that is being dangled to pay a high price for it is Selanne.

I was just informed that two defensemen not coming to Boston are Dan Hamhuis and Aaron Ward. Peter Chiarelli apparently doesn't want to pay the price for Hamhuis. However, other outlets say Boston is still in the mix.

As for Ward, there are reports out there that Ward will end up with a Canadien team, either Ottawa or Vancouver.

I was also told the Bruins could acquire Andy Sutton for Toronto's second round pick, (hold from Kessel trade) but the interest isn't heavy for the 6'6 defensemen.

One reason Tim Thomas will not be traded can be shown in the following headline. Hannu Toivonen (The once thought Bruins goalie of the future) was just traded to the Rockford IceHogs (Chicago's AHL affiliate.)

Did the Olympic break come at a good time for the B's?

I've been receiving a fair amount of messages asking the same question. "Do you think the Olympic break is a good or bad thing for the Bruins?'

For me it was a no brain er. The break is a great thing for the black and gold. Why is that you ask?

Well, Boston has been hit hard with key injuries this season and the rest will be great. Two players in particular who will benefit from the rest will be Marc Savard and Milan Lucic.

Marc Savard was more than a point-per-game player last season, tallying 88 points. Savard skated in all 82 games last season and was one the Bruin All-Stars.

This season, Savard has notched 31 points in 37 games and has not been as successful sparking the Boston power play. With the two and a half week break Savard should come back refreshed and become the point machine he's been in the past. It would also help if Savard had a legit goal scorer at his disposal.

The player that will benefit most from this break is Lucic. Lucic has missed 32 games this season due to injury and has not gotten himself right. Lucic started to show signs of improvement over the last three games and that should continue in March.

Lucic said he was going to go home to Vancouver and maybe take in a few Olympic events. Lucic will come back to the east coast refreshed, healthy and rearing to go, much like he did to start the season in October. http://www.youtube.com/watch#playnext=1&playnext_from=TL&videos=6xihhEEN2yk&v=uXU2br2jKtM

Other older players like Mark Recchi, Shawn Thornton, Steve Begin and Derek Morris will also benefit from the extended blow.

So come March 2, expect the TD Garden to be full of life from both its fans and players. The break came at a good time for some of the Bruins key players and they should be focused on righting the ship over the final six weeks.

Where's Tim going? No Where!

It's the Olympic break, so you would think that like the games the trade talk would take a break. However, the buzz cars wheels keep on spinning.

The trade winds are mainly swirling around Bruins goalie Tim Thomas. Thomas is in Vancouver with the United States Olympic team and even on the other side of North America he is being drilled with what ifs.

At the Olympic games, ESPN writer E.J. Hradek talked to Thomas and reported, "Thomas is pretty down about his situation."

His situation, of course is that the 2009 Vezina trophy winner has been demoted to back-up duty. The man guarding the Bruin crease these days is not the Tank, but 22-year-old Tuukka Rask.

The big thing here is that Thomas told Hradek that he does not want to waive his no trade clause right now. This helps support my theory that there is no chance the Bruins trade Thomas before the deadline.

The remainder of the NHL season is going to go at rapid fire pace with the Bruins finishing with 22 games in 41 days. Your back-up goaltender is still going to get his fair share of starts, especially with four back-to-back games down the stretch.

Look for Thomas to stay put in the hub for at least the remainder of this season and likely longer.

With that said, NHL sources claim that Bruins management would love to ditch Thomas' remaining contract and they will likely try again in June.

Bruins head into Olympic break on a roll

Ladies and gentlemen, we have reached the Olympic break. The Bruins take a four game winning streak into the break, immediately following a 10 game losing streak.

After Sunday's Eastern Conference action, here is where they lie.

1) Washington - 90 pts
2) New Jersey - 77 pts
3) Ottawa - 76 pts
4) Pittsburgh - 76 pts
5) Buffalo - 75 pts
6) Philadelphia - 67 pts
7) Boston - 65 pts
8) Montreal - 64 pts
9) Tampa Bay - 63 pts
10) NY Rangers - 63 pts
11) Atlanta - 62 pts
12) Florida - 58 pts
13) NY Islanders - 58 pts
14) Carolina - 55 pts
15) Toronto - 49 pts

So, as you can see your Boston Bruins are in seventh place in the Eastern Conference and will have an up hill battle to make some noise in the playoffs.

Boston will be off until March 2, when they will face-off with the Montreal Canadiens from the TD Garden. As you can see from the standings, the game will be a big one.

One other thing to note here is that the Bruins hold Toronto's first round pick in the 2010 entry level draft. Toronto is at the bottom of the conference presently and hold the league's second worst record, trailing only Edmonton's 44 points.

With NHL ready impact talent sitting in the top three, the Bruins will continue to root against the Leafs over the last twenty plus games.

Boston is about three quarters of the way through their season and it looks like the worst may be behind them. Will the Bruins make a deal before the March 3 trade deadline, or will they ride it out with what they've got?

Will Tim Thomas remain Tuukka Rask's caddy, or will he return to form and reclaim the number one goaltender spot? Will Boston make a move for a top six forward or top four defenseman?

There are many questions awaiting for the Boston Bruins, and some will be answered by March 3. Others will have to wait until April or beyond for a final verdict.

No deal for Boston before Olympic break

The NHL's pre Olympic trade deadline has come and gone and your Boston Bruins did not play, let's make a deal.

Last night, the Bruins had scouts in Los Angeles watching the Kings and Oilers. Will Boston get involved with Los Angeles and try and swing a deal for Alex Frolov or Jack Johnson? We will have to wait until March for a final answer.

Here is what I was able to pick up from today's pre-deadline chatter.

Word on the street is that the Bruins had the "second or third" best offer for Carolina's Ray Whitney. Ray Whitney has apparently told people he wants to go to Pittsburgh. Remember, Whitney has a no trade clause and can block any trade.

Ottawa traded for Matt Cullen today and placed RW Jonathan Cheechoo on waivers. I was told that the Bruins will not put in a claim for Cheechoo immediately but may be interested on re-entry waivers.

Raffi Torres and Keith Tkachuk were also on the Boston radar today, but nothing ever came to be.

I had speculated a week ago that the chances of Boston making a deal before the deadline were slim to none. Peter Chiarelli has shown he usually waits until the last minute to make a move and this year likely will be no different.

Back to the here and now, and not fantasy land...

Miroslav Satan had to have stitches today to fix a V-shaped cut in the palm of his right hand. Satan will not play Saturday against the Panthers and may have to miss the Olympics as well.

Milan Lucic and Shawn Thornton both came down with food poisoning and missed practice today.

Mark me down for NOT having what they're having. Let's dub that meal, "The enforcer special."

15 options for the black and gold

Here are a list of 15 players who have a chance of being dealt at the trade deadline. All of these players have been mentioned in trade rumors, and are listed in order by cap number.

Also, I'll tell you how they could help the Bruins and what it would take to acquire them.

Tomas Kaberle, D (TOR) Cap Hit: $4.25 million
Analysis: This is probably my favorite player on the list, but a trade would be difficult. Kaberle is a puck moving defenseman who could run the second power play unit. In order to get Kaberle, you are looking at giving up Dennis Wideman and your first round draft pick.

John-Michael Liles, D (COL) Cap Hit: $4.2 million
Analysis: The Avalanche want to move him badly, however, Boston shouldn't be to much of a player for him. The only way Boston would do this is if the Avalanche would trade Liles for Wideman. The two are similar, with Liles being slightly better, don't see this happening.

Patrick Sharp, RW (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.9 million
Analysis: Sharp's name has been mentioned in a trade for Tim Thomas. This trade is not very likely, but it could resurface in June, before the NHL entry draft.

Slava Kozlov, RW/LW (ATL) Cap Hit: $3.667 million
Analysis:Kozlov is 37 years old, and has not been mentioned with Boston, however, the Thrashers are now in selling mode and it will be interesting to see if they want to trade Kozlov who still has great hands.

Ray Whitney, LW (CAR) Cap Hit: $3.5 million
Analysis: This guy has been rumored to be going to about 10 different teams. The Hurricanes are looking for a second round pick for Whitney. The Bruins hold Toronto's second round pick, and you won't get a higher one tat that. But, Whitney wants a deal through 2012 guaranteed or he will block a deal. Would Boston consider this?

Rostislav Olesz, RW (FLA) Cap Hit: $3.125 million
Analysis: The former first round pick is going to be dealt, but where? Olesz can be a 20 goal scorer, and you could get him for some other expendable prospects. When everyone is healthy, Matt Hunwick and Vladimir Sobotka will be healthy scratches and maybe they could be dished for Olosz

Cameron Barker, D (CHI) Cap Hit: $3.083 million
Analysis: The Blackhawks have so many solid defensemen, (Campbell, Keith, Seabrook and Sopel) that Barker could be expendable. Barker to Boston is not a likely story. Barker had a 40 point season last year, but has not lived up to expectations this season.

Teemu Selanne, RW (ANA) Cap Hit: $2.625 million
Analysis: This is my favorite forward on the list, but he has a no trade clause and may block a trade to Boston. Selanne has 18 goals in just 34 games, a pace that would put him at 44 goals over a full season. Selanne still has his legs and would easily be the Bruins fastest skater. Quick goal scorer with Marc Savard, just see Phil Kessel. The two (Savard, Selanne) could do big things. Anaheim wants picks, so look at a second rounder for the Finnish flashes services.

Keith Tkachuk, LW (STL) Cap Hit: $2.55 million
Analysis: A plan B option for Selanne. Tkachuk is on pace for 40+ points and could provide another net presence like Mark Recchi for the second PP unit. No word on what teams want for Tkachuk, but it would take a mid round pick and prospect to get him.

Alexei Ponikarovski, RW/LW (TOR) Cap Hit: $2.105 million
Analysis: Ponikarovski 19-22-41 totals this year could be a nice addition for Boston. Brian Burke wants to lose him, but at 6"4 he is a nice talent. Burke wants a second round pick for him, and Burke could get his second round pick back from Boston if the Bruins are interested.

Marek Svatos, RW (COL) Cap Hit: $2.05 million
Analysis: Svatos' best season was in 2007-2008 when he potted 26 goals. He is currently a shade of his own self. Boston asked about Svatos at last years deadline, but doubt they will this year.

Jordan Leopold, D Cap Hit: $1.75 million
Analysis: The 29 year old Leopold is on his way out of Florida. Could the Bruins use some veteran depth back there. However, I don't see Boston trading picks for a minimal upgrade.

Peter Mueller, C (PHX) Cap Hit: $1.7 million
Analysis: A 21-year-old on the decline? If you look at his numbers, then yes. His best season was the 07-08 season when he had 22-32-54 totals. This year in 50 games he has 4-12-16 totals. Phoenix has apparently given up on him. Would a change of scenery help him out? It could be a mid round pick to get Mueller.

Jack Johnson, D (LA) Cap Hit: $1.425 million
Analysis: An intriguing player here, with a nice cap hit. With Drew Doughty on the back line the Kings may be moving on. The Kings have Doughty, Scuderi, Drewiske, Greene and Harrold signed for next season on defense and are looking to possibly make a big splash come summer time in free agency. Johnson is likely gone, and if the Bruins want a young offensive defenseman then here he is. Johnson is not great defensively, but is only 23 years old and could benefit in the Bruins system.

Carlo Colaiacovo, D (STL) Cap Hit: $1.283 million
Analysis: The St. Louis Blues have called Peter Chiarelli and asked if the Bruins are interested in Colaiacovo. The Bruins said they aren't, but someone is sure to jump in on the bidding.

So for me, I wouldn't mind seeing half of these players in black and gold.

I am hoping that the Bruins inquire about Selanne, but he could still block a trade. If you can't get Selanne, ask for Tkachuk and get another around the net presence. These veteran rentals are an inexpensive way to improve.

On defense, Kaberle is the filet mignon and Jack Johnson the prime rib. Either would be an upgrade over some of the Bruins top six, especially Kaberle. He could step in and be you number two defenseman behind Zdeno Chara.

The trade freeze goes into place on Friday afternoon, and will resume for the first three days in March after the Olympic Break. Will the Bruins make a trade? It's time to decide.

Bruins drop Sabres, start new kind of streak

The Boston Bruins defeated the Buffalo Sabres 3-2 in a shoot out tonight. Two wins in a row, that's what you call a WINNING streak, which is the first since Dec. 30, & Jan. 1

The win tied the Bruins for eighth place in the conference with the Philadelphia Flyers. With the OTL, Buffalo received a point, and needed it to stay a top of the Northeast division. They are now tied with the red hot Ottawa Senators with 72 points.

Your Boston Bruins will head to Tampa Bay tomorrow and play the much improved Lightning on Thursday. Tampa Bay is two points ahead of Boston in the standings and sits in sixth place.

Steve Stamkos has had a break out second season and is a top 10 scorer in the league. This should be a good test for Boston, and all indications are that Tuukka Rask will start in Tampa.

All is quiet on the trade front and there is no chance Boston will make a deal before March. Tim Thomas rumors, hot on Sunday are dead right now and Ray Whitney won't be dealt until after the Olympics.

Bruins end 10-game streak; Thomas being shopped?

Well Bruins fans, your team finally won a hockey game. The Bruins won for the first time in three weeks and ended their 10 game losing streak in the process.

With the win, the Bruins moved into a three-way tie with the Flyers and Rangers for eighth place in the conference. Boston will now head down to Buffalo to play the division leading Sabres on Tuesday night.

Another story today is that Tuukka Rask started for the third straight game and the Bruins may be looking to trade Tim Thomas. Here are the teams looking at Tim Thomas and the players Boston is asking about.

Chicago: Talking to the Blackhawks about Patrick Sharp. The Hawks are in cap hell and will need to move salary. Thomas to Chicago and Huet waived would help cut space.

Columbus: Was also told that the Bruins are talking with Columbus about Raffi Torres and Kristian Huselius in a Thomas swap.

Dallas: Talking with Dallas about a James Neal swap for Tim Thomas. This makes more sense in the off-season when Marty Turco's contract runs out.

St. Louis: Boston is talking with the Blues for Thomas. Boyes, Backes, Kariya, Tkachuk, and Polak are names the Bruins have apparently talked about.

With latest loss, are Bruins in 'Wait 'til next year' mode?

The Boston Bruins lost another heart breaker on Saturday afternoon, 3-2 in a shootout to the Vancouver Canucks.

Boston held a two goal lead on goals by Zdeno Chara and Michael Ryder, but like Thursday night they let that lead disappear. The loss added to the length of an already epic losing streak, which now stands at 10 games.

This streak was started back on January 16 in Los Angeles, a true country wide losing soirée. This losing streak could very well be 14 games if not for pulling out a shoot out in San Jose.

If Boston loses its next two games and gets to 12 straight losses they will set a franchise record. A record that is not supposed to be broken, but yet it can be matched tomorrow, on Super Sunday in Montreal.

To add some more coal to the fire, Johnny Boychuk will not make the trip after being hit in the face with a puck during the first period of today's game.

The replacement? The options are either Andrew Ference or Andy Wozniewski to replace Boychuk. With Ference skating before the game today, look for him to give it a go tomorrow.

Now how do the Bruins go about stopping this lengthy blues fest? Well, if you listen to Bruins fans it is time to make a trade. However, the Bruins front office may beg to differ.

The scuttlebutt is that Boston will not make a trade until after the Olympic break ... if at all. It also looks like Ray Whitney is out as a target for Boston. Carolina still plans to trade Whitney, but they want a first round pick for him and the Bruins will not give it up.

The Bruins brass looks content to ride out their roster and maybe add a B level winger after the Olympic break.

After Saturday's action Boston sits in 11th place in the Eastern Conference. They still, however, are only two points behind Philadelphia for the East's final playoff spot.

If you look at things from a pure draft prospective, if the season ended today Boston would hold both the second and seventh picks for the 2010 entry level draft. So as much as you don't want to hear it, the Bruins may be content to build towards next season.

Kovalchuk to New Jersey, option B for the Bruins

Barry Melrose on ESPN earlier today. "The team that needs him most, and the team that has the assets to get Kovalchuk are the Bruins." "It makes sense he goes to Boston, I'd be surprised if Kovalchuk doesn't end up there."

Well Barry, he didn't end up there, and this blogger is not surprised. Ilya Kovalchuk has been traded by the Atlanta Thrashers to the New Jersey Devils for two roster players, a prospect and a first round pick.

As I said since day one, Kovalchuck would not be a Bruin. Ray Whitney and Keith Tkachuk are the real targets for Boston. I would say Tkachuk would be more likely.

With the Boston losing streak extended to nine, it will be telling to see what Peter Chiarelli does over the next week. If he doesn't make a trade before the deadline, he could be sending a message that he is looking at getting two top picks in the 2010 entry draft.

Bruins making a trade this week?

Wednesday has been a day full of trade talk. However, let me first get to team related notes.

*According to ESPNBoston, Zdeno Chara has been playing with a dislocated left pinkie. It may require off-season surgery for the Bruins captain.

*Today at practice, Matt Hunwick and Steve Begin were given maintenance days. Hunwick has been bad lately, maybe some sort of injury is bothering the defenseman.

*Petr Sykora, Ray Whitney, Peter Mueller and Keith Tkachuk are on the Bruins radar to acquire via trade.

I am hearing that the Bruins may try and deal Michael Ryder and their 2010 first round pick to Carolina for Ray Whitney.

Then there's this... Kovalchuk traded by end of week? http://tsn.ca/nhl/story/?id=308800

Stay tuned folks, it looks like the Bruins are trying to acquire someone this week. Now we'll just have to see who that will be.

Stuart out four weeks after surgery on finger

Mark Stuart underwent surgery this afternoon on his finger and will be out until after the Olympic break, according to Claude Julien.

Adam McQuaid has been recalled from Providence to fill the spot left vacant by Stuart.

Toronto makes a big splash; where it leaves Boston

No price is to high for Brian Burke; Dion Phaneuf to Toronto. Good defense in Toronto now with Phaneuf, Komisarek, Beauchemin, Kaberle and Schenn.

Shortly there after, another move was completed by the Leafs. Giguere has been traded to the Leafs for Toskala and Blake. Big shake up day in Toronto.

The Bruins targets look to be Ray Whitney and Paul Kariya up front and Aaron Ward on defense. Phaneuf price was high and Ilya Kovalchuk's is even higher.

Bruins and Kings news and notes

It will be a battle of U.S. Olympic teammates tonight at the TD Garden. Jonathan Quick and Tim Thomas will start in goal.

Steve Begin is expected to be available for the black and gold tonight.

Randy Jones will replace Jack Johnson in the Kings’ lineup tonight. Yes, that Randy Jones who planted Patrice Bergeron into the boards two season's ago.

This is a battle of team's heading in opposite directions. The Kings have won six out of seven games, while Boston has lost nine of 10.

Thursday's rumblings

The Bruins were in Wilmington today preparing for their key battle with the Buffalo Sabres tomorrow night.

Here are the tidbits I picked up from today.

*I was informed to expect Savard and Bitz back on Friday, Begin on Saturday and Sturm back on Tuesday. Also, Andrew Ference skated today for the first time. Ference's goal is to return after the Olympics on March 2nd.

Speaking of early March, March 3 is the NHL trade deadline. Rumors are starting to swirl like crazy and the Bruins name is being mentioned in a lot of them.

I was told that Dion Phaneuf is more likely to come to Boston than Ilya Kovalchuk.

Calgary is trying to unload Phaneuf's salary and Boston may be looking to dispose of Dennis Wideman's. Hearing Wides and a 1st rounder for Phaneuf. However, nothing is close.

There were rumors put out today that Boston may be looking to get rid of Tim Thomas and his $5 million cap hit until the 2012-2013 season.

However, I was told that this will be nearly impossible to do. Look for the Bruin brass to wait until the off-season to try and move Thomas.

Savard to return Friday; Kovalchuk to Boston for real?

Marc Savard called in to 985 The Sports Hub on Wednesday and had some relieving words for Bruins fans. "I'll be ready for Friday," Savard told the station.

The Bruins need Savard back desperately, as the black and gold have lost eight of nine without him.

With Savard coming back, Trent Whitfield was assigned to Providence.

Byron Bitz and Steve Begin practiced today, and are questionable for Friday night. Marco Sturm is doubtful for Friday, but he may return to practice tomorrow. Sturm looks to be eyeing a Saturday return against Los Angeles.


Rumor Mill:
Sheldon Souray - I have been told that the Sheldon Souray to Boston rumblings are all for not. Boston is not interested in giving up a lot for Souray, and furthermore Souray isn't interested in Boston.

Ilya Kovalchuk - ESPN.com is reporting the Bruins are very much in the Ilya Kovalchuk sweepstakes along with Los Angeles, in particular. While Vancouver, Philadelphia and Chicago also have reported interest, it appears the Bruins and Kings are the front-runners at this point.

I still find the Kovalchuk thing hard to swallow. I can't see the Bruins mortgaging the future for Kovalchuk. This means Rask, Lucic, Krejci and Bergeron. So who is left for Boston to dish?

My proposal is Blake Wheeler, Jordan Caron or Zach Hamill and their first round draft pick this year. That may be worth the price of a rental since Caron and Hamill are both projected as centers.

Boston already has Savard, Bergeron and Krejci ahead of them on the depth charts. We will have to see if Atlanta will except this type of offer.

Bruins head to west coast, Stuart included

The Boston Bruins returned to practice today in Wilmington, and it looked like they brought their JV lineup.

That is unfortunately what the lineup looks like without Patrice Bergeron and Marc Savard. Take a look at the junior varsity lines.

Sturm - Recchi - Satan
Wheeler - Krejci - Ryder
Lucic - Begin - Bitz
Paille - Sobotka - Thornton

One good sign for Boston was that Mark Stuart was back on the ice with the team today. Stuart, who injured his sternum on Dec. 14 is going to make the trip with the Bruins, but may not play.

Stuart's injury was to keep him out, four-to-six weeks and today marks the four week period. If Stuart does return, it will likely be in Los Angeles on Saturday afternoon.


Rumor Mill
The calendar has flipped to 2010 and so that means I am bringing back the rumor mill. With Boston struggling to score goals there have been many rumors about the Bruins trading for a goal scorer.

I will share those rumors, minus the Ilya Kovalchuk ones. Needless to say I think Kovalchuk has as much chance of walking through that door as Phil Kessel.

Teemu Selanne -- Selanne has said this will be his last season in the NHL. With the Ducks likely out of the playoff mix, Selanne may waive his no trade clause to move to a contender. The favorite has got to be the Pittsburgh Penguins, but I'm sure the Bruins will kick the tires on him.

Ray Whitney -- Whitney is on a struggling Hurricanes team which seems to be on its way to a #1 pick and Taylor Hall. This is the most likely pick up for Boston as Whitney will cost the least. You can expect the type of production that Mark Recchi gave last year from Whitney. An older player, but certainly a different style than Recchi.

Puck Moving Defenseman -- The Bruins want to add a puck moving defenseman desperately, but it is going to be difficult. There have been rumors of players like Sheldon Souray and Scott Niedermayer being available on struggling teams. Niedermayer is not likely, and if he were to move he would likely go to New Jersey to play with his brother. Souray is an interesting target, but don't look for him to be on his way to Boston as his $5.4 million cap hit will be a bit too steep without a major roster move.

Savard out 3-4 weeks with partially torn MCL

The Boston Bruins can now add another member of their team to the injured list.

Marc Savard, the team's first line center, will be out likely through January with a partially torn MCL in his right knee.

With Savard going out, the Bruins have recalled Trent Whitfield from Providence. Whitfield will be the fourth line center in today's matinee with the Rangers.

Bruins and Blackhawks game notes

Nobody played well for the Bruins as they fall to Chicago, 5-2.

- Marc Savard has a right knee injury and will be missing game action. He will have an MRI tomorrow.

- Milan Lucic was forced back a couple of days early as Byron Bitz has an apparent back injury. Lucic looked a little shaky on the ice after missing 18 games.

-Looking at the Boston bench I was able to see Shawn Thornton yelling at the Bruins bench. Thornton was likely yelling at the Bruins compete level, which just wasn't there. Chicago won every battle in the corner.

Boston will return to action Saturday afternoon against the Rangers. If Savard is out for an extended period of time, this could mean big trouble for the Bruins.

To be continued...

Ference out four to six weeks; Lucic still not ready

As the Bruins prepare for the Chicago Blackhawks, they received more bad news.

Patrice Bergeron of course will be out for at least two weeks with a thumb injury. But now, Andrew Ference is out 4-6 weeks w/ a groin injury. Adam McQuaid is Ference's expected replacement.

I have heard that Milan Lucic will not return Thursday night also. Lucic is eyeing a return this Saturday afternoon against the New York Rangers.

The Bruins should change their colors from black and gold to black and blue with all of these injuries.

Bruins and Senators pre-game notes

Tim Thomas will get the start in goal tonight for the Bruins, while Brian Elliott will start for the Senators.

Miro Satan will make his Boston debut tonight, replacing Patrice Bergeron (thumb). Bergeron suffered the injury in last night's loss to New York, and has returned to Boston to see a thumb specialist. No word on how long Bergeron will be out.

I am a little surprised Milan Lucic is not making his return tonight instead of Satan. Lucic suffered a 4-6 week injury and tomorrow is the six week mark.

Boston is clearly being careful with Lucic and may hold him out until this weekend for the rematch with the Rangers.

Faceoff is scheduled for 7:30, and will mark the beginning of the Satan era. Satan is expected to skate with Blake Wheeler and David Krejci.


UPDATE: ESPN Boston is reporting that #Bruins center Patrice Bergeron, who injured his thumb in Monday's 3-2 loss to New York will miss 2-6 weeks.

Bruins lose more than a game in New York

The Bruins fall to the Rangers 3-2 at MSG. A good third period comeback is spoiled thanks to Chris Higgins. Tuukka Rask stopped 32 shots in defeat.

The big story here though is Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron left the game with an apparent hand injury. It is not known what kind of injury it is, whether a bruise or worse.

With Milan Lucic on the road trip, it is possible that he may make his return tomorrow night against Ottawa.

Possible line combinations could be...

Lucic-Savard-Sturm
Wheeler-Krejci-Ryder
Paille-Sobotka-Recchi
Bitz-Begin-Thornton

We'll have to play wait and see with Bergeron as it is likely nothing will come out tonight. The team is leaving MSG currently and is headed for the airport. They will fly to Ottawa to face the Senators tomorrow night at 7:30.

Satan signing confirmed, Lucic back this week

Claude Julien confirmed today, after the Legends Classic that Miro Satan has in fact signed with Boston. Satan is in Boston and will skate with the Bruins tomorrow.

At yesterday's Winter Classic, another source told me that Milan Lucic will be back no later than Thursday.

Lucic and Satan in = roster moves. Who will be the target of a trip to Providence?

My guess would be Adam McQuaid, even though he is a defenceman. McQuaid does not have to clear waivers to be sent back to the baby B's.

As for a forward hitting the bench, the nominees will likely be Vladimir Sobotka, Byron Bitz and Blake Wheeler.

Bruins Close to Signing Miroslav Satan

NESN is reporting that the Bruins just signed Miroslav Satan. If this is true, can the 35 year old Satan still help Boston?

From NESN.com --
Report: Bruins Close to Signing LW Miroslav Satan
The Bruins may be well on their way to making a move for a veteran presence to support their often offensively-challenged troops.

Sources confirmed to NESN.com's James Murphy on Friday that the Bruins are close to signing left wing Miroslav Satan. The source said the rumor is a "very solid rumor."

Edmonton selected Satan with the 111th overall pick in the 1993 NHL draft before he was traded to Buffalo, where he became a key fixture of the offense. The veteran, who has also spent time with New York and Pittsburgh, was waived by the Penguins on March 4, 2009, and after clearing waivers, he was sent to Pittsburgh's AHL affiliate. He was not re-signed by the Pens at the end of the season.

The 35-year-old's best season came in 2005-06, when he registered 35 goals and 31 assists for 66 points (and almost half of his goals came on the power play, which certainly could help the Bruins these days). In 65 games last season, he tallied 17 goals and 19 assists for 36 points with a plus-3 rating.