Boston Bruins Top 5 Questions For 2015-2016

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After failing to qualify for the postseason for the first time since the 2006-2007 season, the Boston Bruins knew that change was on the horizon. However, very few could have predicted the multitude of moves that the B’s made this offseason. It all started with the firing of GM Peter Chiarelli. Chiarelli’s poor cap management, lucrative contract extensions, and questionable trades made it very difficult for the B’s to keep him. He was replaced by his assistant GM Don Sweeney, who wasted no time in beginning the overhaul. The Bruins lost 6 everyday players from their 2014-2015 roster; three of whom will always be remembered in Beantown for their roles in the 2011 Stanley Cup run, which, at this point, seems like an eternity ago. Boston will miss the intimidating presence and leadership of Milan Lucic, the speed and back-checking ability of Dan Paille, and the grit and toughness of Gregory Campbell.

The B’s also dealt away 22 year-old defenseman Dougie Hamilton, center Carl Soderberg, and inconsistent winger Reilly Smith. The trade of Hamilton hit Bruins fans particularly hard, because it appeared as though the front office was giving up on another future star who had yet to reach his potential in Boston. It felt like the Tyler Seguin debacle all over again. The B’s have now gotten rid of two of the four players they received in the trade that sent young stud center Tyler Seguin, center Rich Peverley, and defenseman Ryan Button to the Dallas Stars in the summer of 2013.

Boston surprisingly waived winger Matt Fraser last season, who was quickly scooped up by the Winnipeg Jets, and now Smith has been sent packing to the Florida Panthers for winger Jimmy Hayes. That leaves only Loui Eriksson and prospect Joe Morrow left as the return for Seguin. Oddly enough, the Bruins have now also traded both players they selected with the 1st round picks they acquired from the Toronto Maple Leafs for winger Phil Kessel in 2009 (Seguin in 2010, Hamilton in 2011).

These moves left some pretty sizable holes in the B’s roster. Sweeney quickly tried to fill those holes with the acquisition of Hayes, forward and agitator Zac Rinaldo, and winger Matt Beleskey. Some think the price the B’s paid (3rd round draft pick) for a guy like Rinaldo was laughable. With Rinaldo’s history of questionable play and apparent lack of scoring ability, many wondered why he was brought in at all, let alone for such a high draft selection. Rinaldo will be looking to turn over a new leaf in Boston, while also attempting to rejuvenate the 4th line that was a key factor to Boston’s success in past years. There’s no question Rinaldo gives 110% every shift, but that type of reckless play has led to dangerous checks and suspensions during his career.

Arguably, the most coveted free agent on the market this past summer was Matt Beleskey. Coming off a career year with the Anaheim Ducks in which he scored 22 goals with a +13 rating, Beleskey was signed to a very reasonable 5 year/19 million dollar deal. Many thought Beleskey would command north of $5 million annually in the open market, so a $3.8 million cap hit was ideal for a team like Boston that had limited cap space. Beleskey could have probably gotten more from other teams around the league, so this contract is significant in that it shows he has a desire to play in Boston, which has already won him praise from the fan base.

Bruins fans are now left wondering what this team will bring to the table. This team, with many new faces, is looking to prove to their fans, themselves, and the rest of the NHL that they are still a force in the Eastern Conference. With the Black and Gold facing a season of uncertainty, here are the top 5 questions for the Boston Bruins heading into the 2015-2016 season:

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