P.J. Axelsson Back to NHL?

Former Bruins forward P.J. Axelsson wants back into the NHL.  Axelsson’s agent confirmed to New England media outlets that Axelsson is currently talking with two NHL teams about returning to the NHL.  The 37-year-old Swedish forward was a career Bruin, spending 12 years with the organization before leaving after the 2008-2009 season.  Since then, he has been playing in the Swedish Elite League for his hometown team, Frolunda. 

The 6’1”, 190-pound winger was always a reliable depth scorer for the Bruins organization.  Spending most of his time on the third offensive line, Axelsson scored 103 goals and had 184 assists in 797 career games for the B’s.  While Axelsson’s agent did not explicitly confirm that he was engaging in talks with the Bruins, it would not be surprising considering the fact that the Bruins organization was the only NHL organization he has ever been a part of. 

Could the Bruins use a player like Axelsson?  Hell yes!  While Axelsson isn’t the grittiest player in the world, he still brings that “Recchi-esque” leadership and grit to the B’s dressing room.  The Bruins have expressed that finding a player to step up as the Mark Recchi from 2010-2012 this season is crucial to the club’s success moving forward.  As we all saw last year, without that presence the Bruins were much less successful and often looked sluggish during the second half of the season.  Axelsson brings grit, attitude and intelligence to the game.  In addition, P.J. would bring good skating and two-way play to the Bruins as well.  And, (I know I keep harping on this), Chris Kelly has the ability to unlock scoring ability in older players on the third line.  Look at the contributions Brian Rolston made to the Bruins after last years trade deadline.  He was nearly a point-per-game player, and proved to be one of the Bruin’s most consistent offensive forwards. 

I think that acquiring Axelsson would be a fantastic move for the Bruins.  I remember when I used to go to games as a kid, my favorite players were Guerin, Axelsson, Stock and Samsonov.  This guy is one of my favorite Bruins of all time! He loves Boston, and Boston loves him.  He brings veteran leadership and grit to the locker room.  And he could also prove to put up some decent numbers on the Bruins third line.  I’m guessing that acquiring P.J. wouldn’t cost too much, seeing as he just wants to end his career in the NHL regardless of how much he might be making. It would be great to see Axelsson carry out and finish his hockey career with the B’s.   Chiarelli, get on it!