8 replies to this topic

[Dominator2005]

http://www.thefourth.../bos050721.html


Under the rules of the NHL's new collective bargaining agreement, Bruins' forward Joe Thornton and Sergei Samsonov can become unrestricted free agents next summer.
As the Boston Globe reports, unless the Bruins sign both stars to multi-year deals, each player will be on target to leave town next July.

Thornton will undoubtedly seek the maximum deal allowed in the new CBA, which is $7.8 million per year. His arbitration award last summer was $6.75 million, but that will be trimmed to a $5.13 million qualifying offer for 2005-06.



If the Bruins aren't willing to give Thornton top dollar, and the Globe suggests they'll pass, then it makes little sense to keep Thornton on the books next season.
Thornton's trade-value is currently at a high, and the Globe claims teams like Florida, Toronto and Detroit would love to get their hands on the 26-year-old.

The Panthers certainly have the cap room to go after Thornton. Their GM, Mike Keenan, would covet Thornton like no other player, and the return package would have to start with defenseman Jay Bouwmeester.

As for Samsonov, his price tag is not as high as Thornton's, but would likely need an annual salary in the $4 million to $4.5 million range to stay in Boston.

He may also choose to walk next summer, and the Red Wings and Chicago Blackhawks could jump on him.

Samsonov's his wife is from Detroit, and his family lives there during the off-season. The Wings, however, may not have the financial resources to bring him Samsonov, or Thornton for that matter, but the Blackhawks have tons of spending room.

[BlakChamber]

Man...Thornton would look pretty sweet wearing red and white.

Not going to get hopes up, at all though.

[Henkka]

Columbus should trade Thornton. They were awesome with Nash at World Chamionships.

Nash - Thornton - Zherdev, not bad.

[Dominator2005]

[Seth]

Joes gonna end up with Keenan, you wait and see.

[eva unit zero]

It would probably take Jokinen or Kozlov in addition to Bouwmeester.

Would be awesome for Florida though, regardless of the cost.

Speaking of Florida...don't be shocked if Whitney ends up back there. Especially if they pick up Thornton.

[Dominator2005]

Bruins want free agents back


TheFourthPeriod.com



http://www.thefourth.../bos050724.html


Bruins GM Mike O'Connell will be making offers this week to unrestricted free agents Marty Lapointe, Glen Murray and Sergei Gonchar, reports the Boston Globe.
Murray is the most likely to stay in Boston, says the Globe, while Lapointe and Gonchar could sign elsewhere this summer.

According to the paper, the Penguins could have real interest in getting Lapointe to Pittsburgh as a little more veteran support for phenom Sidney Crosby, while the Montreal Canadiens could also to make a play for Lapointe.



Gonchar has been rumored to be heading back to Washington, but he will most certainly receive offers for more than a dozen clubs this August.
Murray, meanwhile, will probably entertain offers from other clubs before making a decision and the Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to make a pitch for him.

[Seth]

[eva unit zero]