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In today’s edition, we take a look at a proposed blockbuster trade from John Buccigross, why a Bertuzzi reunion could happen, and more.
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Anchor Proposes Jaw-Dropping Bruins & Oilers Blockbuster Trade
November 7, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
The Boston Bruins have had a marvelous start to the 2023-24 season, sporting a 10-1-1 record in their first 12 games. However, even with their hot start, they would benefit from adding a first-line center to their roster after the retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci. The Edmonton Oilers, on the other hand, have had a brutal start to the season, as their 2-8-1 record shows. Goaltending has been their biggest issue, and it is a position that they will need to improve if they hope to turn this ship around.
As a result of these teams’ two big needs, ESPN anchor John Buccigross proposed a potential blockbuster trade to former NHL player Ryan Whitney on X. In it, Buccigross brought up the prospect of the Bruins trading Linus Ullmark, Jake DeBrusk, Matt Poitras, Fabian Lysell, and a 2026 first-round pick to the Oilers in exchange for Leon Draisaitl and Warren Foegele.
Esposito: The Trade That Shaped the Boston Bruins
November 7, 2023 by THW Archives
The second deal was a blockbuster and would forever change the fortunes of the Boston franchise. The Bruins very reluctantly surrendered 22-year-old defenceman Gilles Marotte as the key player in a six-man transaction with the Chicago Black Hawks. Also going to Chicago was centre Pit Martin and minor league goalkeeper Jack Norris.
Coming back to Boston were three players whom the Hawks were altogether too eager to dispose of. Tall, lanky centre Phil Esposito was the key for new Boston general manager Milt Schmidt. “Espo” had centred a line with Bobby Hull and Chico Maki, and was the seventh-highest scorer in the NHL in 1966-67. However, Blackhawk management heaped huge amounts of blame on Esposito’s wide shoulders following their semi-final defeat at the hands of eventual Cup-winning Toronto.
3 Takeaways From Bruins’ 3-2 Win Over the Stars
November 7, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
After a tough loss to the Detroit Red Wings on Nov. 4, the Boston Bruins looked to get back into the win column against the Dallas Stars on Nov. 6. They certainly had a big test in front of them, as the Stars are at the top of the Central Division standings and one of the best teams in the NHL. However, the Bruins passed the test, defeating the Stars by a 3-2 final score. With this win, they improved to a 10-1-1 record. Let’s discuss three main takeaways from the contest now.
Bruins Need to Closely Watch Tyler Bertuzzi Situation in Toronto
November 6, 2023 by Michael DeRosa
Fast forward to November, and boy, things have not worked out for Bertuzzi in Toronto thus far. In his first 11 games as a Maple Leaf, the Sudbury, Ontario native has just two goals and an assist. With that, he has already been in head coach Sheldon Keefe’s dog house, as he was demoted to the fourth line against the Bruins. Furthermore, he was criticized by Maple Leafs nation for laughing at Brad Marchand barking at their bench after the Timothy Liljegren injury.
While there is still plenty of time for Bertuzzi to turn things around, his future in Toronto could be in jeopardy if he does not pick up his play. Keagan Stiefel of NESN brought up the prospect of Bertuzzi returning to Boston in a recent article, and I’d be all for it. Thus, let’s discuss how it’s possible and why the Bruins should consider exploring it if Bertuzzi becomes available.
Bruins’ Sweeney Draft Choices Paying Off in 2023-24
November 5, 2023 by Hannah Garfield
For the past few seasons, the Boston Bruins have been pretty consistently ranked at the bottom of the league when it comes to the strength of their prospect pool. They’ve been ranked last on multiple lists, and it isn’t exactly surprising when looking back at general manager Don Sweeney’s draft history. The infamous 2015 Bruins’ draft class has definitely cast a large shadow over how his drafting ability is discussed, but there have been a number of other misses as well throughout his now eight-season tenure as GM.
But, things seem to be turning around at least a little bit when it comes to the strength of the Bruins’ prospects. They currently have three rookies on the roster: Matthew Poitras, Johnny Beecher, and Mason Lohrei, and all three have been impactful. But, digging a bit deeper, several of Sweeney’s draft selections are playing important roles on the team so far this season.