Bruins Off-Season Game Plan

After an anti-climatic ending to the season, the Bruins brass are left searching for answers. This was the Bruins most disastrous season since President and General Manager, Valente took over the team. It has been an uphill challenge for the GM to find the right mix and chemistry of players despite the talented roster he has forged over the course of many seasons.

The Bruins have ushered in a new era of hockey and begun the process of building a new identity by trading away their longest serving player Jonathan Toews and fellow line mate Patrick Kane.  During the days leading up to and including trade deadline day, GM Valente wasted little time to continue this work.

At the top of his list was a quality backup to help support Jonathan Bernier next season. After much discussion, the Bruins were able to land Jhonas Enroth from New Jersey in exchange for Robyn Regehr, Richard Panik and a 3^rd round pick. Moving Robyn Regehr has allowed for some financial flexibility and  paves the way for increased roles and minutes for a young nucleus of defensemen.

GM Valente suck to the same blueprint he laid out when he took over, building through the draft. Moving out promising forward Nazem Kadri for goalie prospect Malcolm Subban and Columbus Blue Jackets 1^st round pick in the upcoming entry draft. At the time of the trade Columbus was playoff bound however after the trade deadline the Blue Jackets went on a terrible losing skid ending outside a playoff spot.

Bruins look to forge a new identity and though acquiring rugged forward Scott Hartnell along with Jakub Voracek. The Bruins might have finally found the chemistry they have been looking for as Harnell and Voracek combined for 8 goals in 10 GP on a line centred by Claude Giroux.  If this line sticks together come opening day next season it will be interesting to see who will be slotted next to John Tavares. As it stands Brandon Saad is slotted on Tavares left wing but with uncertainty surrounding Jaromir Jagr’s status the Bruins will likely be active in free-agency and working the phones to find the right fit before the puck drops in fall.

It is expected Tyson Barrie and Jonas Brodin will be the front runners for a job on the Bruins blueline. Upfront, with two center positions up for grabs there will be  plenty of competition this fall when training camp opens up. Max Reinhart will continue to press for the job, this year he was able to spend some time with the big club showing he is capable of playing in the bigs. With Mark Schiefele and Markus Granlund looking to secure a spot along with Alexander Barkov getting a hard look its anyone’s guess who will be slotted into third and fourth line come opening day.

This off season will not be one of huge changes for Bruins as many of the biggest trades have already happened during the past season however GM Valente will likely continue to shape this teams identity and find the right blend of players and personnel to help elevate them to be a perennial cup contender.

With Claude Julian being fired with the conclusion of the season Bruins are expected to announce the hiring of Ted Nolan prior to the 2014 MRFHL Entry Draft. The organization wants to get Nolan involved as soon as possible and will wait until the end of the post-season before holding a formal press conference.

Many have been questioning if GM Valente has too much on his plate and rumors have recently suggested he might be exploring the possibility of relinquishing the GM title. Let there be no mistake even if he steps down as GM to focus on President of Hockey Operations this team will continue to be molded by him.    

- Associated Press