Rocket Science is actually quite simple when you think about it. Acquiring the parts that fit together to accomplish the goal of getting to space is what is difficult.
Putting together a hockey team is no different. You know what you have to do, but acquiring the parts – the players in this case – is not easy. In a world of video games where you can pick up an X-Box or Play Station controller and make any trade you want; the thinking is NHL General Managers can accomplish the same.
Don Sweeney has some work cut out for him. While his hands are tied in what he can do, they are not handcuffed. But he’s going to have to make a lot of phone calls and do a lot of negotiating to complete the job. What he will attempt to do will not be for just this season, but with an eye to the future as well.
Last week I spoke about Jake DeBrusk and how his days could be numbered both on here and the What’s Bruin Podcast. And now, another player who could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season is making the news.
The fact of the matter is the Bruins need help on the blueline. President Cam Neely said as much himself. It’s also fact that the Bruins lack cap space to make the much-needed improvement. Yes, they could trade DeBrusk but they could also move Matt Grzelcyk.
Grzelcyk himself said there have been no discussions about an extension during the season and the plan all along was to have those discussions at the end of the season. But what would those discussions sound like for a 5-on-5 specialist who gets PK duty when no one else is available and virtually no PP time? Add to that; It’s been a down year for him and the Bruins must take that into consideration.
No doubt Grzelcyk’s transition game will be of benefit to the Bruins. But even that has suffered to some extent. Be it due to injuries or not playing at 100% all the time, you have to judge the pros and cons to “keeping him” accordingly.
Some say that he is not built for and can’t handle the rigors of playoff hockey. Yes, it’s fact that two coaches now have scratched him in the playoffs at different times. Maybe against the right opponent he can flourish?
No doubt there has been interest in Grzelcyk’s services in the past. Whether there still is, well Sweeney should be trying to find that out. Otherwise, he will be handcuffed.
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Dom - Hockey 