Well, I'd be lying if I said this news didn't shock me. Because it did. Multiple sources on the internet as well as a television source have indicated that talks between the Boston Bruins and Columbus Blue Jackets are definitely intensifying. The rumors say that Boston is considering sending star center Marc Savard along with Blake Wheeler to Columbus for their 1st round draft pick (#4 overall). These seem to be out of the blue right away, but I guess you can find a little reasoning behind it if you make the attempt.
As the days go by, it seems more and more likely that Taylor Hall will go #1 to Edmonton. This leaves centerman Tyler Seguin to the Boston Bruins -- but Boston is already loaded at center. So, if they believe that Seguin is a true franchise centerman, it might make sense that they will try to deal one of their existing ones. But how? How do you deal Savard, Krejci, or Bergeron? They proved that they are all phenomenal players. I think you have to work your team around those guys. Make Seguin a wing. Trade Thomas and the pick to move up to #1. Do whatever is necessary. But how do you trade Savard after signing him to a 7-year extension?
After thinking about this trade and giving it a fair chance, I've decided there is no way Boston should pull the trigger here. Granted, the #2 and #4 picks is a daunting package, especially given that we are already loaded with talent. But that #4 pick is anything but a guarantee. Seguin is a pretty solidified star at this point. He's a safe pick. But after that top 1-2 punch, how talented is the second tier of prospects? As good as the Savard and Wheeler package? That would be one hell of a player at #4 to equal the value of those guys.
I've said before that I think Wheeler is expendable. That does not mean I think Wheeler is a bad player. For salary reasons, for the way he played in the postseason, and for the current situation of our roster, I believe we can trade him. We do still need to get value back for him. And that #4 pick would be great to have, it really would. For Wheeler and Thomas, I might even consider it. But Savard? He's our best playmaker. That's almost a fact. And I just hope Boston doesn't jump to conclusions based on Savvy's postseason play this year. He was coming off a concussion and was never really back into the full swing of things. He's a superstar centerman and they will need to think long and hard before shipping him away.
The NHL draft is set for June 25th. You can count on this rumor being verified or nullified before that date. Will Savard's extension be short-lived? Keep checking to find out.
Savard is fun to watch and a leader for the Bruins. It'd be a shame for his career as a Bruin to end this way, after missing part of the playoffs.
ReplyDeleteI'll second that, anonymous. I would hate to see Savard leave. They signed him to a 7-year extension, hopefully he retires as a Bruin.
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