Bruins
Taylor Corridor and Nick Foligno have been traded Monday to the Chicago Blackhawks.
COMMENTARY
NASHVILLE — The Boston Bruins knew modifications have been coming.
However the 2023-24 model would look totally different it doesn’t matter what — even when they’d hoisted the Stanley Cup following a historic 2022-23 common season.
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The enterprise aspect of hockey prevented Boston from doubtlessly operating it again with the very same staff following their shocking and bitter first-round exit by the hands of the Florida Panthers. On Monday, the cap-strapped Bruins started the salary-shedding course of after buying and selling Taylor Corridor and pending UFA Nick Foligno to the Chicago Blackhawks. In return, the Bruins obtained defensemen Ian Mitchell and Alec Regula, each scheduled RFAs.
With Corridor’s $6 million wage for the subsequent two years off the books, the Bruins now have $10.9 million in projected wage cap house based on Cap Pleasant. However even with the mandatory financial savings, the sting from the Corridor and Foligno deal had simply settled in for the three Bruins representatives within the Music Metropolis for the NHL Awards.
“It’s bittersweet,” Ullmark stated earlier than his crimson carpet look as a part of Monday’s NHL Awards present. “It’s a day for celebration, however when that occurs, it’s bitter[sweet]. I like these guys, Taylor and Nick. It’s unhappy to see them go.”
The percentages-on Vezina favourite additionally finds himself among the many rumored names on the hockey scorching range, as does Matt Grzelcyk. Ullmark carries a $5 million cap hit and a no-trade clause over the subsequent seasons. The Bruins might use slightly further house to barter with their very own free agent class, together with Tyler Bertuzzi, and pursue potential suitors on the commerce and free agent markets.
David Pastrnak, after all, isn’t going anyplace after signing his 8-year contract extension through the commerce deadline. However even along with his future secured, the Hart Trophy finalist echoed Ullmark’s tune.
“It’s undoubtedly robust to see one other [set] of buddies go away,” Pastrnak stated. “Everyone knows what kind of enterprise that is in hockey. It’s unlucky for the friendship and relationship, however you perceive and you recognize that is the enterprise. Like I stated, it’s robust, however we’re going to remain buddies. Hopefully they do good.”
Jim Montgomery shared the identical sentiments as Ullmark and Pastrnak.
However whereas a pair of acquainted faces depart, Montgomery encountered prior experiences with one in every of Boston’s latest additions.
Throughout his teaching tenure in Denver, the previous College of Maine star recruited Mitchell to return to the Rocky Mountain metropolis for his collegiate profession. Montgomery coached Mitchell for his freshman season earlier than accepting a job the next yr with the Dallas Stars.
Mitchell’s poise and maturity stood out to Montgomery throughout his recruiting course of. He expects these traits to hold over as Mitchell makes an attempt to safe a full-time function along with his new membership.
“What caught my eye is his character. Excessive, excessive character,” the Jack Adams Award nominee stated of Mitchell. “He’s going to slot in with the Bruins tradition instantly.”
The Bruins will stay a tight-knit group with out Corridor and Foligno. Within the brief time period, they profit financially with Corridor’s contract off the books. They’re additionally hoping Mitchell and Regula — with a mixed 104 profession NHL appearances in three seasons — add some wanted depth and youth on the blue-line.
Extra modifications will possible observe over the subsequent week. Within the meantime, they must transfer on from a pair of dependable veterans and embrace the potential contributions of Mitchell and Regula.
“It’s time to maneuver ahead. It’s time to concentrate on subsequent yr,” Montgomery stated.
“We misplaced two actually good gamers. But when that wasn’t executed, then it could be another participant. That’s the way in which the enterprise world works in hockey, proper? Now we’re wanting ahead. We’ve bought a few good defensemen which are going to return in and add some actual high quality depth. We’re enthusiastic about subsequent yr now.”
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