I’m back with another Wednesday Mailbag, although this is a small one compared to previous mailbags. Just a reminder that you can send in questions at any time, just send an email to ohlwriters@gmail.com and your question will be answered in an upcoming mailbag.
Annie via email asks:
Question – Do you think there is any chance Lohrei turns pro early? I understand it’ll have to do with how the Bruins approach this next season, and that that is also contingent on a lot of things itself, but do you see it as in the cards at all?
Answer – Annie, I’ve learned to never say never, but in all honesty, I don’t. He’s not ready for the NHL. That said, he could learn his trade in the AHL. I know a lot of people refer to “turning pro” as NHL, but it also means AHL. I would but the chances of that at less then 50%. But I have been wrong before.
William via email asks:
Question – Do you have a sense of what it would take to get Mark Giordano out of Seattle? And is he what you would like the Bruins to do on the left side? Is there someone else who’d be a better get?
Answer – I would certainly take him on my team. But from the moment the Kraken selected him in the draft, the rumors were that he would return to Calgary before the season ends and I believe that. As for the last part of your question, there are certainly “better” options (if you believe all the rumors) but to say “better” without knowing the cost to acquire Giordano versus someone else really can’t be answered, because the cost to acquire the players has to come into play when deciding which deal is the better deal. Not trying to ignore your question, just trying to be realistic.
Mike O’Connor via Twitter asks:
Question – Hi Dom…wondering if the bruins have some concerns with player development on the forward side, the last bunch of young players have not develop as much as they believe, eg Bjork, Donato, Heinen, DeBrusk, Studnicka , etc.. thank you.
Answer – I don’t have any issue with the development staff. Sometimes the staff can do all they can do and a player just doesn’t succeed for whatever reason. I think if you’re going to look at that staff, you have to also look at the player and legitimately ask yourself whether that player had it to begin with.
Whats Going On via Twitter asks:
Question – Dom. What are your thoughts – are the bruins looking at a DeBrusk trade as an opportunity to clear cap space? Or to find equivalent value return for the playoffs. Or other? or both? All the best Dave.
Answer – I have spoken about this plenty of times, but the Bruins cap situation is just fine. I believe Sweeney is looking for what he believes is fair value for Jake DeBrusk, but those offers haven’t come in yet. If I could tell you what one team apparently offered (not my news to share), then I am glad Sweeney is holding on to him if other offers are in that ballpark. I too would rather hold onto him for the playoffs and deal him in the offseason rather than accept those kinds of offers.
Robert Parks via Twitter asks:
Question – In your opinion, where is the biggest gaps/shortcomings on this current roster? Analytics show the D being pretty damn good, are we just low on offensive firepower? Removing the 7-0 outlier, it seems to be always a 1 goal game. What’s your trade deadline focus?
Answer – Well, it depends. If DeBrusk is traded, then it’s right wing. If DeBrusk is traded and it involves a right winger coming back, then I say defence. I’m aware of the analytics but I say that with good reason. I will be on a podcast today which should be available tomorrow and we will discuss it. Stay tuned to twitter for details.
Wally via email asks:
Question – Assuming the KHL is done. For awhile at least. Any potential returnees this season or this off season of interest to NHL teams?
Answer – Folks, I dread getting questions from Wally, because he always comes up with the tough ones. I touched on this in one of my prospect’s updates when the KHL said they were going to go straight to the playoffs once the Olympics ended. I would think many NHL teams would be all over it if they can get passed the contractual details of a player’s contract with the KHL. They would certainly come a lot cheaper than acquiring someone via trade, even depth players. I will give you an example (and this is just an example): You could sign Steven Kampfer for league minimum as a depth player rather than trade for one. The money would be a wash when considering you’re taking on salary anyway in a deal, you’re just not giving up assets to get that player.
There are some good names out there that could help teams. However, the risk in signing one instead of trading for one is that they would have to clear waivers before they could play in the NHL this season unless that player was one of your own restricted free agents playing in the KHL such as Peter Cehlarik.
Dom - Hockey 