Boston Bruins: Do They Need Marian Hossa?

If the Bruins were to sign Hossa for what’s expected to be between $6 and $7 million, they’d have three players over $5 million; Chara, Savard and Hossa.  Compounding the problem for the Bruins is that they already have three other players over $4 million; Bergeron, Fernandez and Murray. 

Simply put, they can’t afford him at this time.   Barring trades, the Bruins would have to do too much (buy out Murray, possibly buy out Schaefer and Fernandez), to put Hossa in a Bruins uniform.

What do I think the Bruins should do?  For starters, buy out Murray.  Right wing is a weakness for the Bruins, but Murray seemed lost this year without Bergeron setting him up.  Take the cap hit of $1.4 million each year for the next two years. 

Many people have said they’d like to see the Bruins buy out or trade Fernandez.  It’s time to admit that’s just not going to happen.  Fernandez was brought to Beantown for one reason; to be the No. 1 goalie.

Tim Thomas has done an outstanding job, but if Manny comes back healthy and ready to play, he opens the 2008-2009 season as the starter.  Auld is gone as a free agent.  Unless he shows without a doubt that he’s ready for the parent club, Rask will be in Providence one more year. 

Peter Schaefer was a disappointment this season, but I think he’ll be back.  I don’t think Chiarelli brought him in to get rid of him after one year.  When he was the assistant GM, Chiarelli had Schaefer in Ottawa.  His play improved towards the end of the year; I think he’ll be given another chance to prove he can bring something to the team.

Many have been calling for the Bruins to trade Kessel and his $2.2 million contract (base salary plus expected bonuses).  He’s 20 years old and has a bright future.  Now’s not the time to trade him.  Be patient, let him grow.  How many years did it take for Joe Thornton to finally take off?  Give Kessel some time.

I hate to say it, because I’d love to see the Bruins make a big splash in free agency, but I’d like to see them do exactly what they did at the trade deadline: stand fast.  When you look at the list of unrestricted free agents, the pickings are really kind of slim outside of Hossa.

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