Bruins deadline assessment

Jagr is expected to be in the Bruins lineup tomorrow.

Heading into the trading deadline, Boston was in need of a few minor tweaks, not an overhaul. Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli pulled the trigger on three trades, headlined by the acquisition of the legendary Jaromir Jagr. The B’s also brought in veteran blue-liner Wade Redden and AHL prospect Robert Flick. With many of the pieces left in place from the 2011 championship team, Chiarelli bolstered his team with an elite offensive talent and a durable depth defensemen without jeopardizing the existing comradery within the dressing room. 

Many people will criticize the Bruins for not doing enough at the deadline. Could Boston have done more? Of course, many big name players were made available this year all across the league. Unfortunately several of those guys being shopped all had multiple years left on their contracts. Boston will have 5 unrestricted free agents at the end of the season. The most notable of which are Anton Khudobin, Tuukka Rask, and Nathan Horton.

Peter Chiarelli clearly did not want to be tied up with any long term, big money acquisitions. He cannot be faulted for keeping the future within close vicinity, as it is clear he has plans for the offseason. Also one cannot rule out unreasonable asking prices. Therefore he took the most logical route of acquiring rental pieces for another run at Lord Stanley’s Cup.

Critics can second-guess all they want. The deadline has come and gone. Now it’s time to take a closer look at what Jaromir Jagr, Wade Redden, and Robert Flick bring to the B’s.

Jaromir Jagr:

The statistics speak for themselves. MVP, Cup champ, Art Ross winner, Hart Trophy winner, 12 time all-star, and an Olympic gold medal. That’s not to mention the 600+ goals and 1,000+ assists Jagr has recorded throughout the course of his career.

It will be easy for people to say he’s old or Iginla would have been better. To that I say, wait and see. Jagr has totaled 14 goals and 12 assists this year playing in Dallas. Jagr’s 26 points will put him in a tie for fourth most on the Bruins with Tyler Seguin.

Jagr excels in several different aspects of the game. He is strong on the puck and is nearly immovable from it when he gets a head of steam. The 6’3, 240 pound winger is physically powerful along the boards and can single handedly keep possessions alive. Jagr is a magician when it comes to passing the puck. His terrific vision and pinpoint accuracy will help set up several Boston goals. He can score in several ways, whether it is on a net drive or a snipe from the wing.

Jagr is a naturally gifted offensive phenom that will make each and every Boston player better with his presence alone. He will likely be slotted alongside David Krejci or Tyler Seguin, assuming Tyler plays center with Patrice Bergeron out. Jaromir’s versatility gives Claude Julien many options, but his biggest impact will be felt on the power play. Jagr’s creativity and silky smooth skating ability should boost a struggling Bruins man advantage.

Wade Redden:

Redden, a two time all-star, is a more than serviceable defensemen. Granted his glory days are behind him, Wade can still pack a punch in many areas. He tallied 2 scores and 3 helpers playing for the Blues this season. He will provide great depth to a Boston defensive corps that has been banged up of late. The experience he brings will be invaluable come playoff time.

The blue-liner plays a highly physical game and possesses a heavy shot. Redden does not back down from any confrontation and is not afraid to lay the lumber. His bruising play will fit in perfectly with an already rough and rugged bunch. If given an opening, Wade will let the puck fly without hesitation.

Once upon time, Redden was paired alongside Zdeno Chara in Ottawa. Peter Chiarelli and Big Z are familiar with his game from their days as Senators. Redden is a responsible two-way defensemen. Because of his willingness to do just about anything, Wade could be paired with any of the Bruins d-men. Though it is very likely he could be reunited with Chara, especially with Johnny Boychuk having a down year.

Bottom line on Redden is he brings grit, toughness, and veteran savvy to a Bruins lineup that should embrace his charisma. In the long run, Boston fans will grow to like this newcomer.

Robert Flick:

Flick was acquired from the Blackhawks organization in an AHL level trade for Maxime Sauve. He is a guy likely to be at least a few years away from seeing NHL action.

I personally am a supporter of the Bruins deadline moves and hope things work out well in the long run.