Boston Bruins: Keep or Let Go 2018 Edition

The Boston Bruins 2017–18 season has officially come to an end at the hands of the Tampa Bay Lightning. The black and gold exceeded the expectation of many during the regular season, but came up a little shorter of where many thought they would go in the playoffs.

One of the main reasons the Bruins performed as well as they did this season was the growth and contribution from their many skilled young players. The other main reason was the best line in hockey. The trio that consisted of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand, and David Pastrnak continually put up points and scored in clutch moments to give the B’s much needed points in the standings.

As the off-season approaches Bruins General Manager, Don Sweeney, has some decisions to make as the team goes forward and gets set for the 2018–19 season. Now I’m not the GM of this team, but here is who I would keep, who I would shop, and who I would let go this summer.

The Keepers

Patrice Bergeron

If you don’t think the Bruins should keep him then you need to get your head examined.

Brad Marchand

See Bergeron.

David Pastrnak

Also see Bergeron.

Jake DeBrusk

The rookie proved that he has what it takes to be a stud in the NHL. DeBrusk is going to have a solid career in the NHL as a top six forward. No question about his status.

Anders Bjork

A head injury halted his solid start to the season and a shoulder injury ended his season prematurely. However, he had a good start to the year and should be able to grow on it. He should be on the big roster when the puck drops in October.

Ryan Donato

The Harvard star bounced right onto the scene and did as advertised….he scored goals. He’ll be back with the black and gold next season.

Noel Acciari

Acciari is a solid fourth liner that carries a cheap cap hit next season. It’s simple, keep him.

Sean Kuraly

After a solid 2017–18 campaign the fourth line center deserves a new contract and a spot on the team next season.

Zdeno Chara

The captain is still pretty darn good. He has slowed down a bit, but he is still solid. Get him some help on the left side and watch him thrive next season.

Charlie McAvoy

Are there any questions as to why the Bruins should keep the kid?

Kevan Miller

Miller carries an affordable cap hit and is coming off what some may consider his best season in the NHL. Simple decision here.

Brandon Carlo

The big d-man had an up and down season that ended with an ankle injury. His presence was clearly missed in the playoffs. He should be back and healthy by the time camp rolls around to re-claim his top four spot on the Bruins defense.

Matt Grzelcyk

The hometown boy had a terrific season on the Bruins blueline. He deserves a new contract and a spot on the roster next season.

Tuukka Rask

For those that want to trade Tuukka, let me ask you three questions:

1. Who in the organization will lead this team further?
2. What free agent goaltender will lead this team further?
3. Realistically speaking, who can the team acquire via trade that will help this team make it further?

Keep him.

Anton Khudobin

Dobby was a rock as a backstop for the B’s this season. Give him a new deal and let him do it again.

The Shoppers

David Krejci,

Trading Krejci would not be the wisest or easiest (he has a NMC) thing to do, but it’s something that should be considered. Krejci has the ability to change an entire game with his playing style. However, over the years it seems like he has disappeared more often than many fans would like. If the B’s can find a willing partner and a good return they should entertain pulling the trigger and moving on.

David Backes

Backes probably doesn’t get moved because of his cap hit and his drop in play, especially in the postseason, but Sweeney should be looking. He is a good leader and a great guy, but his age is showing and he isn’t worth the money he is making.

Adam McQuaid

McQuaid seems to be the odd man out based on the performance of younger d-man in the system. He has one year left on his deal at a cheap price. Sweeney should look at moving him for a mid-round draft pick.

Danton Heinen

I only have Heinen here because of a possible trade with the Carolina Hurricanes. If Noah Hanifin is within the Bruins reach then Heinen could be a piece that goes to Carolina. If the Bruins don’t acquire Hanifin, or any left shot d-man for that matter, Heinen should remain with the Bruins.

Torey Krug

The Bruins should look at moving on from Krug because of what he brings to the table. He is an offensive threat that struggles in his own zone. The black and gold need help on the left side of the defense and Krug doesn’t provide that for this team. If the right deal comes along then it’s time to move on from Krug and get Chara some much needed help on his side.

Let Walk

Riley Nash

Nash is coming off a career year and will probably break the bank in free agency. With plenty of centers in the system letting Nash walk is the right thing to do.

Rick Nash

The big winger disappeared in the playoffs. He will most likely be looking for some big money in free agency and I’m not so sure the Bruins want to give him what he’ll be looking for.

Brian Gionta

Gionta was a depth signing that didn’t provide much depth. Let him move on.

Nick Holden

Same as Gionta, expect Holden was acquired through trade.

Other

Tim Schaller

Schaller is a solid fourth liner and penalty killer. It’d be cool to see the Bruins bring him back, but if he moves on it’s okay. The team has other options for that role if needed.