B's Offseason Needs

Note* I accidentally deleted the blog I wrote today… so now I’m rewriting it from memory. #BloggerProblems

There are 3 areas of concern on the Bruins roster heading into the 2012-2013.  The B’s need a top 6 forward, an offensively minded defenseman and a veteran presence for next year.  If the Bruins pursue and acquire players that fill those voids, I think they will have a very good chance of being Stanley Cup contenders for the upcoming season.  Here are 3 players that I think would be best for the job.

Throughout this blog, keep in mind that the Bruins have about $3.9M in available cap space.  In addition to this, placing Marc Savard on the long-term injury reserve could potentially free up $4M in cap space.  If Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli were also to find a way to trade away Tim Thomas’ contract, that would also free up another $5M in cap space.  So, for this blog, let’s hypothetically assume we have $12.9M in cap space to work with. 

Top 6 Forward - PA Parenteau

Coming off of an 18G/49A/67P season last year, Parenteau is one of the top playmaking free agents this offseason.  Unfortunately for him, the Islanders are going nowhere and have not actively tried to establish any sort of contract extension with him.  The 29-year-old right-winger could step up in Nathan Horton’s position if there are any lingering health issues (which, there will be).  Parenteau comes relatively cheap, probably no more than $1.75M.  After his 67-point season earning a measly $1.25M, he definitely deserves a better deal.  Parenteau is attractive for the Bruins because his best years are still ahead of him, and he wants to sign a multi-year deal with a successful team.  I think Parenteau would be a fantastic pick for the Chiarelli and the B’s.

PA Parenteau looking goofy as hell

Offensively Minded Defenseman - Jason Garrison

You read that right.  Jason Garrison of the Florida Panthers would be the best pick for the Bruins to fill this void.  Last season Garrison had an outstanding 16G, 17A and 33P.  9 of his 16 goals came on the power play, where he was also able to tally 3 power play assists.  After the Joe Corvo experiment, I can understand any concerns with “puck moving defensemen,” but I think Garrison is different. The 28 year old is bigger and stronger than Corvo, and has a more solid defensive game.  In addition to this, he comes relatively cheap.  His 2-year contract with the Panthers was only worth $1.35M, Chiarelli could easily lock him up at an affordable price, no more than $1.25M a year.

Nice shot by Jason Garrison

Veteran Presence - Jamie Langenbrunner

Although he’s not the gifted goal scorer he once was, we’re talking about the Captain for the USA Olympic team here.  A two-time Stanley Cup champion and Olympic Silver Medalist, Langenbrunner brings that veteran experience to the team similar to what Mark Recchi brought in 2011.  Although his goal scoring ability has significantly tapered off at age 36, (6G, 18A, 24P in 70GP last season) he’s a leader who can energize on and off the ice. We should also take into account what happened when Brian Rolston joined the Bruins last year.  The 39 year old had a renaissance with the Bruins, becoming a consistent point-per-game player on the third line.  Perhaps the Bruins could energize Langenbrunner as well?  Langenbrunner is a bit more expensive, costing a $2.75M cap hit, but it is not unreasonable for him to be expecting less in the future.  I could see him going for $2.25M to a team that would promise him a starting job and a chance to play out the rest of his career on a winning team. 

Captain America beating Canada's Marty Brodeur

Hypothetically speaking, these 3 acquisitions would cost around $5.25M, give or take.  This is within the Bruins spending threshold and can be done given that Marc Savard is placed on the long-term IR, and Chiarelli finds a way to get rid of the Tim Thomas cap hit.  With any luck, we’ll see one, two or hopefully all three of these players in Bruins black and gold come the beginning of the season.