With Loui Eriksson gone, David Backes in the mix and the potential for even more changes via trades, the Boston Bruins are already primed to look very different in 2016-17.
Will they go the extra mile to improve their blueline, though?
There’s no denying their hunger for a “transitional defenseman” on top of those tweaks down the middle, and CSNNE.com’s Joe Haggerty reports that the Bruins are “kicking the tires” on a possible deal with Kris Russell.
Bruins GM Don Sweeney addressed being unable to find the “right fit for those players at this point in time” during a press conference on Friday, so maybe the “right fit” isn’t so far away?
In discussing bringing back John-Michael Liles, Sweeney ticked some of the boxes that would also be in favor of Russell: the “sort of guys that are able to defend and be hard but also having guys that can transition, get up and down the ice, get back on pucks and move pucks.”
There’s no denying that Russell has his strengths and weaknesses, but you could probably sell Sweeney on his credentials in those areas.
(See more about the pros and cons of Russell in this UFA of the Day post.)
Speaking of selling, the bidding war might end up being a lot for the Bruins and other teams to stomach.
This post breaks down the variety of reports and rumors, with a $5 million cap hit being a possible price tag.
Vancouver's last offer for Kris Russell is believed to be in excess of $25MM.
— Travis Yost (@travisyost) July 1, 2016
Yikes.
If Russell draws a contract that meets or exceeds those rumors, it would be difficult to call the team who lands him a “winner.”
The Bruins appear to be involved in that auction, at least to some extent.