Boston Bruins’ 5 Best Moves This Offseason
Boston Bruins' Five Best Moves This Offseason
With training camp around the corner and no imminent signings in sight, the offseason is coming to a close. It was a nerve racking time, especially at the beginning of the offseason when it seemed there was a new deal being done every day. Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli knew that changes needed to be made to improve the team and stay within the salary cap, but that too much change would unbalance what was a successful team last year. The Bruins have done well for themselves during their time off with important re-signings and trades that look to ensure that the team is strong for the years to come.
Despite the recent additions to the team, the offseason began with the departures of Nathan Horton and Jaromir Jagr, which led much of the fan base to become somewhat unsettled. The Bruins were not shy in paying players what they thought they were worth. Both were big-name players for the Bruins, but the salary cap prevented the team from keeping them at the money they wanted.
With all of this activity in the free agent market, here is a ranking of the top five moves by the Bruins this offseason that will ultimately help the team's quest to get back to the Stanley Cup finals. Some are more high-profile than others, but they will all benefit the Bruins's goals in the upcoming 2013-14 season in some way.
Tim Nikolouzos is a Boston Bruins writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @timnikolou
5. Finally Landing Jarome Iginla
It seemed too good to be true, but the Bruins landed the elusive Iginla for real. He has the experience, leadership and skills to make an immediate impact on the team as they look to have another deep playoff run next season. With him, the Bruins managed to improve a first line that was already one of the best in the league.
4. Bringing In Loui Eriksson
Not many people had heard of Loui Eriksson when it was discovered he was coming to Boston. Fans should rest assured that the Bruins have a quality player in him. He plays a physical game but can also score, making him a perfect fit into the Bruins' style of play. As the season progresses, more people will come to appreciate him on the team.
3. Shedding Tyler Seguin
At first glance, it may seem foolish to say losing one of the most skilled forwards in the NHL is a good thing. However, the separation between the Bruins and him will be a good thing. The team has not and is not a team focusing about one player, but rather the collective whole. Seguin distracted from that, whether it was his behavior and effort on the ice or off it. He has the skills, but not the ones the Bruins needed, and they couldn't afford wait for Seguin to mature while the team aims to win another Cup.
2. Re-signing Tuukka Rask
The Boston Bruins made re-signing Tuukka Rask their top priority this offseason, and they certainly got their man. He will be in town for the next seven years at a price both sides were comfortable with. However, it came at a cost of being unable to re-sign other players and limiting the choices for the Bruins in the free agent market. On one hand, it is good they have a talented goalie, but the cost of this long-term marriage has to prove it was worth it in the long run.
1. Re-signing Patrice Bergeron
The contract extension to Bergeron was one of the best moves the Bruins made all season, although it was a no-brainer. It goes without saying that his skills and leadership qualities, in addition to his unbelievable clutch goals, have made him the most important player on the team next to Zdeno Chara. It really did not matter how much money he wanted as long as the Bruins had him for the long haul, and they do now.
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