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GM McFly: Wideman or Boyes?

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Editor's Note:This is the first of what will hopefully be a reoccurring feature. The concept is simple: I take a look at a trade that the Bruins have made in the past and then I open it up to the readers to decide if they would make that trade again based on what they know now. Today's trade is Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman.

February 27, 2007: The Boston Bruins trade Brad Boyes to the St. Louis Blues for Dennis Wideman at the deadline.

This is a tricky one because both teams got what they were looking for in the deal. The Blues got a legitimate young goal scorer and the Bruins improved on the blue line.

Boyes, was clearly disappointed about moving to the STD capitol of the U.S. One can only assume that the threat of contracting the clap from one of St. Louie's finest puck bunnies, forced the young sniper to focus on hockey. (Ed. Note: I have no idea how Brad lives his life and I can only assume what a young NHL player's daily life consist of, but I'm sure it is more exciting than being an NHL blogger.) Since being shipped out to St. Louis, Boyes has had back to back 30+ goal seasons (43 in '07-'08 and 33 last year). Boyes is off to a bit of a slow start this season, posting 4-7-11 totals in 18 games. Some critics will point to Boyes' defensive shortcomings (although, I would argue that he his much better defensively than that #81 kid that the B's used to have) and his not-so-impressive +/- (-29 for his career).

Dennis Wideman had a breakthrough year last year, recording 50 points (13-37-50) and a +/- of +32. He established himself as a solid NHL defenseman and justified his big pay check. Wideman was a major factor in the Bruins' (regular season) success last year. This season, Wideman has struggled at times and has made some poor decisions that have led directly to crucial goals against the Bruins. While Wideman has not looked as sharp as he was last year in his own zone, he has also struggled offensively. After averaging 0.63 points per game last season, Wideman has only 4 points (1-3-4) in 17 games this season to go along with a -2 rating.

So, you have two players with very different games. Both guys have had success in the past. Both players are struggling a bit at the moment, but both will likely play better hockey as the season progresses. The question is: Knowing what you know now, would you trade Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman?

This is a real tough question for me because I realize what Dennis Wideman is capable of, but I also realize how talented Brad Boyes is. At the time of the trade, I absolutely hated it. I thought they gave up on Boyes way too early. Now, I have come around a bit, but I think if I had to do it over again I would keep Boyes. I would love to see what Boyes could do with the current Bruins team around him. Let's be honest, this team could use another goal scorer.

What do you guys think?

Poll
Knowing what you know now, would you trade Brad Boyes for Dennis Wideman?
Yes, Wideman is a major asset to the B's
100 votes
No, B's gave up on Boyes too early
181 votes

281 votes | Poll has closed

0 recs  |  Comment 7 comments |

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I honestly would rather have Boyes right now, he’s a goal scorer who could complement any one of our 3 playmaking centers pretty well. The blueline can survive without Wideman—Morris can fill his scoring role from last year and Boychuk (who i like) would get playing time.

Then again, when the Bruins (and Wideman, obviously) were doing well last year, I was thinking the trade was a win-win for both sides. There’s still time for him to right the ship, as there’s no doubt that he has talent. The rest of the year will leave us with a better idea.

BallwaysBruinsBlog.Blogspot.com

by Killer B's on Nov 18, 2009 10:33 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

sounds like a certain Red Sox trade....

….like Hanley Ramirez for Josh Beckett….

Except with this deal I was much more bitter about the trade initially. At least in that trade you get a bonafide All-Star…Unfortunately, I don’t think Wideman is in the same league as Boyes. If it were up to me, I’d keep Boyes. God knows how he would have performed last year with Kessel or Krejci. Both are quick kids and would’ve probably played damn well together

by delta on Nov 19, 2009 8:35 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

I assume the Kessel trade or Joe Thornton trade will be featured here soon…..

As it stands right now, we look like idiots for missing out on Kessel, who now has 5 goals, 2 assists (total 7 pts) in 7 games

If we get someone like Hall in return, then they’ll look like the idiots, but right now we’re hurtin’

by delta on Nov 19, 2009 12:59 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Way too soon for the Kessel trade. I might do Thornton because I think it would spark a lot of discussion (even though it has been talked about to death). I’ll probably do some small deals as well. If you guys like this idea, I’ll keep doing them from time to time. Feel free to suggest some future ones.

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Nov 19, 2009 5:38 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

i still like the trade

Having a solid core of defense around which to build a team creates a lot of stability. Wideman’s struggles this year aside, last year I always felt supremely confident watching the Bruins’ defense at their ability to shut down opposing scorers. I remember back in early 90s when the team had Bourque, Sweeney, and Wesley to really anchor things on the blueline, and it created a lot of success at both ends of the ice.

That kind of impact is felt on the bench as well; forwards feel more confident chasing the puck down deep and really pressing in the offensive zone. The focus shifts to getting each goal and make it stand-up, rather than always getting that pressure to score goals in bunches to “keep up” with the opposition because the defense is a liability.

I’ve always felt that your odds of being able to shop for a 30-goal scorer who can plug in and have an impact are pretty good, but your defenders need to play with each other a while, learn each others’ coverage tendencies, etc., and build a lot of chemistry to become a really effective unit. Getting young, prized talent that can commit to building that communication with other guys on the roster is something I’ve always felt is an overlooked aspect of development.

by jctsai12 on Nov 19, 2009 4:34 PM EST reply actions   0 recs

Solid point. I actually thought that the voting would be a lot closer. Maybe the timing of it skewed voters or maybe they were influenced to much by my take on the trade (although I doubt the latter).

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Nov 19, 2009 5:41 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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