Interesting, but two thoughts spring to mind …
1. Krejci has said he’s either playing for Boston or going back to Czech Republic to finish playing days while raising his kids there. Not sure how much that’s worth, and Boston looks like they’re in an either/or situation with DeBrusk and Krejci. Doubt the B’s want Coyle as their 2C and since they’ve signed Hall and Foligno, I could see them trading DeBrusk and bringing Krejci back. He’s coming off a very strong season.
2. In my gut I just can’t see moving a heart and soul guy who is a low-key possession driver on the TOP line in order to sign an older, significantly less gritty center for the 2ND line. Again, I gladly offer my disclaimer that I am an unabashed Palat stan. But one thing I’m banking on is that JBB already announced the top 2 lines will return. I can’t recall him ever lying to the media, albeit in a small sample as GM … and all GMs lie or at least blow smoke. But so far JBB hasn’t made any similar pronouncements and then done a 180. He’s more the type to not comment or speak in generalities if he’s asked a direct question about a player’s future if it’s in doubt.
But again, I find the idea interesting. It sure seems like something’s got to give, but I’m perfectly willing to sit back and watch a masterful GM do his thing. It might simply be that he is constructing a roster to chase that third straight Cup, and any rookies who can’t earn a spot can get claimed for all he cares. We all seem to agree that losing Katchouk and Raddysh would hurt, at least in the not-too-distant future, but maybe they get dealt or maybe Stephens hits the waiver wire. Who knows? We’ve got a coupla months to speculate.
1. Krejci has said he’s either playing for Boston or going back to Czech Republic to finish playing days while raising his kids there. Not sure how much that’s worth, and Boston looks like they’re in an either/or situation with DeBrusk and Krejci. Doubt the B’s want Coyle as their 2C and since they’ve signed Hall and Foligno, I could see them trading DeBrusk and bringing Krejci back. He’s coming off a very strong season.
2. In my gut I just can’t see moving a heart and soul guy who is a low-key possession driver on the TOP line in order to sign an older, significantly less gritty center for the 2ND line. Again, I gladly offer my disclaimer that I am an unabashed Palat stan. But one thing I’m banking on is that JBB already announced the top 2 lines will return. I can’t recall him ever lying to the media, albeit in a small sample as GM … and all GMs lie or at least blow smoke. But so far JBB hasn’t made any similar pronouncements and then done a 180. He’s more the type to not comment or speak in generalities if he’s asked a direct question about a player’s future if it’s in doubt.
But again, I find the idea interesting. It sure seems like something’s got to give, but I’m perfectly willing to sit back and watch a masterful GM do his thing. It might simply be that he is constructing a roster to chase that third straight Cup, and any rookies who can’t earn a spot can get claimed for all he cares. We all seem to agree that losing Katchouk and Raddysh would hurt, at least in the not-too-distant future, but maybe they get dealt or maybe Stephens hits the waiver wire. Who knows? We’ve got a coupla months to speculate.
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