Free agency day 1

So the big signing of the day is Michael Ryder. At first blush, I had to take a second to stop hating a Canadian....then I decided I like this deal... that was my first reaction. Not the same as a Hossa, but presumably a considerably better value.

What do you think?

thornton signs with bruins

thats right read it again... thornton signs with bruins.

that is shawn thornton of 79 nhl games and 4 goals. a grit 4th line guy presumably - your new pj stock........ but with size.

personally i think you find a grit guy who does not carry the name of the player your organization is being lambasted for trading. hey that's just me. that said this thornton already has more championships than joe!

Adios Tenkrat

TSN has reported that Petr Tenkrat has signed a two year contract with Timra IK of the Swedish Elite League. This contract can be voided if he is offered a contract by an NHL team. I would love to see him back with the Bruins, as I think he is a talented winger who brings energy to the 4th line. I have my doubts he will be re-signed by the Bruins since we have a lot of young talent in the system.

Alberts Re-signed

Andrew Alberts was re-signed yesterday to a 2 year, $2.5 million contract. Set to become a restricted free agent, the Bruins decided to give him a significant raise from last year when he made just over $650,000. Against the cap, the deal will cost the team $1.25 million for the next two years. Alberts was one of the more agressive Bruins on the roster, and was 3rd ont he team in hits and blocked shots. Andrew, along with the rest of the team, tailed off during the second half of the season and at times was moved down to the 3rd defencive pairing.

With the signing of Alberts the Bruins now have aproximately $38-39 million commited to the cap. Based on last years cap level this is not the best of news for the Bruins. There are rumors though that the new maximum could be increased to around $48 -52 million for the coming season. This is significant as it represents a potential increase of $4-8 million or one or two significant free agents.

I guess the next question to pose is; Is the Bruins ownership willing to spend at the top of the cap level each year? There can be no doubt that the Bruins are losing money, and we are quickly becoming a "small market" team. That said, I expect they will come close to the maximum cap this season and then see how things go. Another losing season with poor attendance may spark a cost cutting move though. For me, the most important RFA on the team is Brandon Bochenski and I will be thrilled if he weas re-signed.

forsberg?

have i mentioned that you can never have to many centers?

in that vein , should the brewing brass try to bring in the oft injuryed p. forsberg. since he has had trouble staying on the multiple rosters he has represented for years now, he might be cheap. the redsox for a while were experts in bringing in aging or hurt pitchers and getting a useful season or two out of them. will the "new nhl" bring about teams getting high skilled talent at bargain basement prices as a dusk settles on a career?

that said what is the max money you would be willing (if anything), with a roll of the dice, to risk with this formerly sweet swede (nutraswede?)?

i would take him at 1-2 mil, plus some .5~1 mil in incentives (if he is eligible?) on a 1-2 yr deal (max 2 million a season).

what about you?