The top guys have not been outstanding through the first month, and I think that's a good sign for them as the season drags on here.

Yeah, and I mean, you look at the Bruins last year were also analytic darlings, right? Or they were maybe not analytic darlings because that would be like teams like Carolina where it's like at 5-1-5, they are leading in expected goals for, expected goals against a low.

And the Bruins last year were like a disaster as far as their defense.

And it was pretty much Swingman bailing them out.

And listen, they've got elite goaltending staff this year, whether it's Swingman or DiPietro.

I want to say like their expected goals against and high danger looks.

It's not... great right but i don't think it's like 28th or whatever it was last year so they're actually if you look at like i think one of the graphs from uh j fresh where it's like kind of the four quadrants the bruins are like in the middle of the pack as far as expected goals against but they're still like in the upper tier where they're like generating a lot of expected goals too which is kind of what you want, because that was also the knock against the Bruins, is that they had a crazy shooting percentage, and none of that was sustainable.

It's a good problem, but it's, it could be one that balloons into something bigger where it's like, they're afraid to make a bigger move here because they want to keep this group together.

Um, you know, what kind of players are Fraser Minten, Matt Patra, even James Haggin?

Yeah, it's, uh, definitely I think probably for Bruins fans, a breath of fresh air when you look at just, you know, this team f- for years, whether it's during the Char and Bergeron era or during this kind of new David Pastrnak era, was almost like every single game the Bruins were competitive, but more of it was a result of, all right, how is David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman gonna more or less bail you out of these games? And listen, like Jeremy Swayman has been very sharp in net, and he's been probably the biggest difference maker for them to start this season.

But in terms of like the scoring, you're just seeing other guys, whether it's James Haggin, who I think people were setting reasonable expectations for a 19-year-old kid his first year in the NHL.

But, you know, seven points in 10 games, he's going to the net, he's showing kind of the, the skill set that had him as such a highly regarded prospect going into his draft year.

And then I think Fraser Minten's a guy that, you know, when the Bruins traded for him from Toronto, kind of the, the profile of what he was was a high floor, third line center, a guy that I think you can put in that spot and, you know, be set for the next five, 10 years.

And I think you've seen him make a lot of strides in his offensive game.

He's, uh, worked on his shot quite a bit.

Mm.

Um, you know, what kind of players are Fraser Minten, Matt Patra, even James Hagins?

Yeah, it's, uh, definitely I think probably for Bruins fans a breath of fresh air when you look at just, you know, this team for, for years, whether it's during the Chara and Bergeron era or during this kind of new David Pastrnak era, was almost like every single game the Bruins were competitive but more of it was a result of all right, how is David Pastrnak and Jeremy Swayman gonna more or less bail you out of these games? And listen, like Jeremy Swayman has been very sharp in net and he's been probably the biggest difference maker for them to start this season, but in terms of like the scoring you're just seeing other guys, whether it's James Hagins who I think people were setting reasonable expectations for a 19-year-old kid his first year in the NHL, but, you know, seven points in 10 games.

He's going to the net.

He's showing kind of the, the skillset that had him as such a highly regarded prospect going into his draft year.

And then I think Fraser Minten's a guy that, you know, when the Bruins traded for him from Toronto, kind of the, the profile of what he was was a high floor- Third line center, a guy that I think you can put in that spot and, you know, be set for the next five, 10 years.

And I think you've seen him make a lot of strides in his offensive game.

He's, uh, worked on his shot quite a bit.

Mm.

I don't know what he's on pace for right now, but you'll take it.

Yeah, and it's what you said last week of like, you know, he's, I think, taking advantage of maybe lighter matchups.

But, you know, as much as he's been a disappointment during his time here in Boston, the injuries are an obvious concern.

It's not like he was like.

you know, putting up 21 points over like a full 82 game slate or something like that.

Like, I think if you're putting him in a spot where it's more in tune with where he is at the stage of his career, he can be an effective player.

And that's a third line center that I think can, you know, it's like, and he's in the top six, he was kind of, you know, over his skis a little bit and like, you know, you get some production, you get some, you know, play on the power play stuff like that, but still like, wasn't in a spot where he could really tilt the ice, I think in his favor.

like

Like there's stuff like that, that he can continue to build into his game, but four points in six so far and being on pace for 56 points over 84 games, you'll take it.

Yeah.

And I think you hit the nail on the head with it being the consistency part of it.

It's not like he's had one unbelievable game in the next three.

He's averaging nine minutes of ice time.

You're not really noticing him out there.

You notice him out there.

I think Clifton makes the most sense to draw.

Yeah, and then

it's like we're like...

It was like...

McKenna? We getting McKenna now? Bruins came close with the ping pong balls.

But no, I think you look at the fact that you lose those two games.

You had that really bad game on Monday against Ottawa.

Like, all right, is this team, is all the regression risk actually going to come to fruition? Now, am I saying that the Bruins are going to be a wagon because they scored six goals on, like, what, their first 14 shots against Utah? No, of course not.

yes.

Ooh

... with Murad Hosdinov to balance out the lines.

But b- in extension of that, I think Peterka is still gonna have a career.

Yeah, I think a lot of his damage is gonna be on the power play.

I th- I think you can have him, uh, penciled in for over 75 points.

Uh, I think having him at the right elbow next to Pastrnak's gonna open up a lot more for Pastrnak to get more opportunities to fire that puck.

And also I think putting Giki at the bump of position, uh, adds a different element as well.

Go for it.

Connor, your thoughts just on training camp to this point?

Yeah, I think probably the overarching theme is, you know, if you're the Bruins, you have to be happy with the fact that you've had a lot of, you know, younger players look the part so far, I think, right? And I think that's going to have to be one of the biggest keys for this team.

If they want to take a step forward this year, it's going to be like, you know what you're going to get in the David Pasternak's and, you know, the Swayman's, the McAvoy's, those guys.

But can, like, these younger guys not say they – you know, step up and they're all of a sudden like lineup fixtures, but can you go into, you know, the 27, 28 season, knowing you've got a legitimate player and James Higgins, if Fraser Minton takes a big step, Brunet, is he a guy that can be in the lineup every day, all those sorts of things.

And I think you look across the board at, you know, the, the top young players that I think Bruins fans should have been keeping tabs on this preseason, whether it's Higgins, Brunet, and then Glashmelis or, I think all those guys have impressed, right? Like, I expect James Higgins to open the year in the NHL, and I think he's looked good when he's with Minton, Huston, Deanoff, and I agree with Mark.

Like, you look at kind of the lineup he's with, all right, how much are you kind of expecting from him in that game? Still had five shots on goal.

Still, you know, you notice him when he has the puck on his stick.

And it was the same thing last night, Connor.

Connor, your thoughts just on training camp to this point?

Yeah, I think probably the overarching theme is, you know, if you're the Bruins, you have to be happy with the fact that you've had a lot of, you know, younger players look the part so far, I think, right? And I think that's going to have to be one of the biggest keys for this team.

If they want to take a step forward this year, it's going to be like, you know what you're going to get in the David Pasternak's and, you know, the Swayman's, the McAvoy's, those guys.

But can like these younger guys not say they – uh, you know, step up and they're all of a sudden like lineup fixtures, but can you go into, you know, the 27, 28 season, knowing you've got a legitimate player and James Higgins, if Fraser mentioned takes a big step, Brunet, is he a guy that can be in the lineup every day, all those sorts of things.

And I think you look across the board at, you know, the, the top young players that I think Bruins fans should have been keeping tabs on this preseason, whether it's Higgins, Brunet, and then Glashmelis, um, I think all those guys have impressed, right? Like, I expect James Higgins to open the year in the NHL, and I think he's looked good when he's with Minton, Huston, Deanoff, and I agree with Mark.

Like, you look at kind of the lineup he's with.

All right, how much are you kind of expecting from him in that game? Still had five shots on goal.

I think, you know, basically you're talking about right now, probably if you're spotlighting camp battles, you're looking at Mikey Eisenmont and Alex Steeves for like a bullet spot maybe, and the two of them battling together.

Hilton, for the stay.

Yeah, and I think it's encouraging to see them, especially with, like, Higgins, Brunet, some of these guys.

Put them in spots where I think they're with, like, elevated talent, but it's also, like, being realistic about, like, yeah, you know these guys aren't finished products, but, like, how can we... get those guys feeling comfortable, but also play to this train.

So it's going to help us out potentially immediately.

Right.

And so like, I look at like Higgins.

Yeah.

But I'm assuming, and I don't think Sturm said anything about this, but I'm guessing that's why Paterkov is starting on that second.

Not saying that the exact same thing is happening with Hagins, but you look at what his skill set is, right, of a guy that has legitimate top six potential, a guy that if he actually hits, right? And I think we've done a pretty good job, Evan, of setting reasonable expectations.

But this is a guy that if he does hit is a 80-point-plus franchise type of player.

To go down there and dominate to that degree, you know, four goals on Monday, all of them snipes, as you said, right? There weren't any cheapies in that at all.

Um, and if you're Mako Sturm and the Bruins, like, all right, this kid, kid understood the assignment.

Let's see how he does, uh, in, you know, training camp in the preseason.

But you saw the skill set, and I think if you're the Bruins, maybe this changes the approach a little bit of like, all right, instead of starting him on a line with some AHL guys, all right, if he's got a shot like that, maybe we do.

so.

Yeah.

Do they trade him? Like, this is now a big story because you've got a lot of money rightfully tied up in Fraser Mitten, but can you afford to also do this, you know, plus more with Pavel Zaka? I don't think you can.

Yeah, I just think...

I think if you were to sign Zaka to a long-term deal, even at, like...

the high level of what, you know, the, the high threshold as far as like 10 million, 10 and a half.

Like I saw, I think Bruins cap space had a look at next year's cap situation.

And that's factoring in like, you know, obviously Zaka, Middlestad, Lori, some of these guys that are going to be off the books.

And after factoring in Minton's contract, the Bruins have like 27 million in cap space.

But I watch him making plays out there on Tuesday, and it's hard not to want him in the lineup.

I'm curious what you thought.

Yeah, I think if you were like, you know, let's say it's like the first day of training camp or, you know, the first time we speak to him, which is probably like the golf tournament in a couple of weeks.

Right.

And you like ask that question again.

Or if someone was like, oh, there's been a lot of talk about like how you bring in the younger guys.

I bet his reaction would probably be like, well, is he going to play hard? Is he going to like play his game? Then he doesn't have to worry about it.

I think it's essentially what it's going to be.

there's just so many guys back there.

Yeah.

Yeah, no, I, I agree probably with you.

And again, like to your point, I'm not gonna go to bat for the franchise or say they're top five or anything like that, right? 'Cause I, I honestly think a lot of it kind of, like in terms of, I think, what you think of this team and the direction it's going in, a lot of it's gonna rest on this year, right? Like, they obviously exceeded expectations last year.

It made you feel a lot better about where this team is going, but- As we've talked about since, what? The end of June? Like, this team still has a lot of regression candidates on this group.

Like, I'm not, like, all in on this team, you know, replicating 100-point season.

I think they could be better.

Like, you're hoping they're better, and like, you see all the younger players they have, um, and you're expecting some growth there.

It is

Are they more likely to go up or down in terms of contract, uh, salary cap value over the next couple years?

Well, it probably depends on how much these younger players are gonna come along, and also if the Bruins wanna get ahead on some things.

And I also feel like that also could maybe skewer, like, what a team's value is.

Like, if you're the Bruins, then I imagine they wanna sign Fraser Minton long-term.

Like, what if he signs, like, an eight by $6.5 million contract? Like, according to that model, is that, like, an overpay for what he is right now and then it ages out? Or is it automatically viewed as a win just 'cause you signed this guy long-term and who knows, right? Like, like, I, I'm curious just to, like, how that would change over the course of, like, a year from now or four years from now of how you value a guy like Minton, right? Like, if he has, like, a similar year this year, he's around 40, 50 points, you give him 6.5, does it factor in the fact that, you know, the cap is jumping up? Which I imagine it does because, like, Lindholm's contract, you said, is not viewed as, like, one of the worst in the league.

And it's like, still, it's not a great contract, but you look at what the going rate for players getting 7.75 is now.

Not saying the Bruins are, like, breaking even by any means with a guy like Lindholm, but 7.75 is now, like, what you're kind of paying, like, middle six guys.

But when you're picking a D core to, or a guy to shut another team down and transport pucks at the same time, I think I'm going McAvoy over him.

Is that second line left wing? Is it second line right wing? Is it third line? Is he potentially a center? W- I think the big question comes down to what ultimately should be expected from Hagins this year.

Yeah, I mean, I, I think that's one of the biggest determinants.

I, I think you look at this team and, not to echo what we've mentioned before, but it does feel like there's still, you're still waiting for another move or two from this team before I think we get the full picture.

Like, again, as I've said before, I think the Bruins are, on paper, better than the, what they were last year.

They should be slightly better, but I'm not, like, locked in on that yet.

There's still a lot when you look at this team that is ripe for some regression.

Um, when you look at just them.

And I wonder if they get to that point where they're like [tongue click], "Maybe he's just a wing." Like, I, I, I don't imagine that they wouldn't give him reps at center, but I also wonder if, like, he fits so well on the wing that they're like, "Well, this is just what he is now." L- And that's not a bad problem to have, but I think it's something to consider.

Is this them kind of making changes on their own, or do you think this is just sort of this was the off-season that Langenbrunner and Gold left, and it's the off-season to make changes kind of by, by luck, so to speak?

I think it's probably more of that than, uh, them looking at their front office and being like, "We have to," you know, "Something has to change." 'Cause I don't think, like, Evan Gold and, um, Jamie Langenbrunner, like, were You know, net negatives at all, right? I think they're both really accomplished.

They both did a really good job.

It's kind of like the same thing you mentioned with, you know, the Bruins bringing in these, yeah, coaches down in Providence that makes, you know, them pretty coveted guys.

Like, Evan Gold, you know, feels like he was the front runner for the Vancouver job, and then I don't know what the hell they're doing, but again, that's kind of just how they run their ship there.

But, um, [clears throat] you know, Evan Gold's a guy who's been, like, their cap guru for years now.

Um, he's done a lot of great stuff as far as, uh, you know, being a, a key kind of lieutenant for Don Sweeney and what they've done.

On paper

I'm okay with that.

Yeah.

I'd probably say I'm, like, I'm whelmed.

I'm not overwhelmed, underwhelmed.

Like, I agree, I think they didn't do anything drastic.

Like, you like them-- i- it's weird, 'cause right, like you like them to be aggressive and take some swings, but also if, like, the deal's not there, then maybe you have to make do with what you have, right? Like, at this point, like John Carlson hasn't signed as of yet.

Maybe he's also going to the 76ers, I don't know.

Like, I, I'm not, I'm not big either way.

Who are you looking at most closely here as we enter a big free agency frenzy day in the NHL?

Yeah, it's going to be a fascinating day, I think, for the Bruins and I think the NHL when you look at all these other rumors that sprout up right before July 1st, right? Like, it feels like Zach Wierenski is going somewhere at some point today based on the way that thing is going.

So it's going to be a pretty crazy day.

Before diving into players, I almost feel like the thing I'm most curious about is just what kind of – what path the Bruins take, right? Like, what do they think is their best path moving forward? Because they're in this spot where, you know, they make the playoffs, but how do you build off of that? Is it, you know, doubling down on this current core? Is it appeasing this current group? Is it building for the future? Or is it doing a bit of both? I think when you bring in a guy like J.J.

Paterka, right, who is 24 years old, helps out your immediate core, where I think he's got 30 goal upside, helps out this, you know, the guys like David Pasternak.

But also, he's a guy that's closer in age to...

The guys they hope are that next wave, right? The Mintons, the Hagans, stuff like that.

top four right shot defenseman.

The question is, why did that happen? And are the Bruins to blame for that not happening?

Yeah, I think probably both parties are at fault there, right? I think you look at Fabian Lysel.

There were opportunities, especially at the start of a couple of seasons, especially the last two, where this was not a team that was competing for a Stanley Cup.

There was an opportunity to seize a starting spot going into the season, and he didn't really showcase all that much, especially during preseason games, training camp.

So I think the onus does fall on the player for not taking that jump.

You look at a guy like Matt Potra, who a few years ago, no one had any expectations for him, but... played really great in the preseason and kind of elevated those expectations.

So I think some of it falls on the player.

lineup does don sweeney have another trade in him for a needed defenseman or is that something for free agency

So I am not a good spot.

But, like, yeah, uh, Morozov, Khmond, uh, some of these guys I think are, like, safer options.

I think there's a lot of, like, especially defensemen, um, you know, who I think are kind of viewed as, like, safer, you know, big-bodied, you know, can you, can project as, like, NHL as down the line.

I don't think there's anything wrong with that.

The Bruins just need NHL talent.

But I think at 23, I'm all about bringing in the guy that has some risk but can really, uh, be an impact player if they hit.

I think you saw the value in that with, like, Letourneau.

Like, if you had to make a prediction, not even for a player, but like do they stay put? Do they move back? Do they move up? What would be like your, like you would put money down on?

And I just think there's something to take from that.

Yeah.

I, I think it's important to ...

You see the value of stability, right? Of sticking with the system, having the patience to like build your own identity and your own system.

Now, I think there's also ways you can build an identity that's not conducive to winning.

If your whole identity is just being tough and physical, you're gonna get outraced by a team like Carolina.

Like Carolina's been kind of the poster child or the pioneer of speed, skill, relentless puck pressure, uh, shot suppression, shot volume, all these sort of things.

... yeah.

I think had more points, but, than Thomas, but yeah, it's the same kind of thing.

Yeah.

So, like, I, I think if you're the Blues and Alex Steen, who's now running things there, um, listen, if someone wants to knock you out with, like, an insane offer, then I think you gotta listen in on it.

But they're not...

It's not like he's on an expiring contract or he's a year away.

Like, the Blues could also completely bottom out.

Like, I'm not sure if what they did at the end of last year when there was nothing to frigging play for means anything.

Yes.

Would either of those appeal to you? Would either of those be something that you would jump on, 6 times 8, 6 times a buck and nine for Rasmus Andersen? Like, would you be interested in either if that was the exact price?

If that was the exact price, yeah, I would say so, uh, as far as ...

Like I, I'm pretty intrigued by Raddysh as far as like what he could give you the next four-ish years.

You know? I keep on kinda comparing him to like JD Martinez, where it's like you don't really know what, like, you know, is he a late bloomer? Is he really this guy? But then you sign him, and for like the next three years you're like, "Oh, shit.

Like, this guy's like a huge plus for us." So I, I like Raddysh, and I think he would like be the easiest way for you to like just like account for a, a key flaw on your team and help you out.

One, I just don't know, I don't think that's what his contract's gonna be.

We were fretting about this, what, last week, that like San Jose, who's flush with cash, could be like, "Yeah, we'll give you like 10 million.

What, what about you? What do you think?

You tell us which ones you're going to be watching for, and we'll go from there.

Yeah, absolutely.

I think there's no shortage of storylines.

I think it's a good thing as far as the NHL.

You hear a lot of people talking about, all right, it's Carolina and Vegas.

Like, what are the ratings going to be? But I think you look at the storylines.

How much does I think it benefit any sport when you have kind of an overarching villain that I think a lot of the league wants to root against, right? You start with like the Thunder and the NBA.

Any way you build a team, whether it was the Bruins and the physicality, whether it's the way the Florida Panthers played when they were winning and making it to the Stanley Cup final, and the Carolina Hurricanes it's you know there's gaps and there's mistakes or not mistakes rather but there are gaps and holes in each or advantages and disadvantages I guess what I'm trying to say in each style with the Carolina Hurricanes and you mentioned it being a copycat league as well do you feel like teams are going to if they win are going to be looking to build similar a similar style and also is there enough talent is there is there enough in the league for several teams to play this way because the the talent and the speed is part of it