So since PC has stated that Kessel will be back next season and there is  only about $4 mil left in cap space, assuming Hunwick will also be signed, someone has to go.

As of today, the Bruins only have 6 DMen signed to NHL contacts. With Hunwick, who will surely be signed and back next year, they'll be 7. This means it will almost surely not be a DMen on the way out, unless they believe someone like Jeff Penner or Andrew Bodnarchuk is able to step in. I have not heard about anyone who the B's staff is high enough on to step in this season other then Boychuk. So it's safe to assume a forward is gone.

Going to through the lines, who is safe and who is not??

Lucic will only leave over my dead body and that's not happening so he's safe. Obviously Kessel is safe. There were rumors about Savard being traded prior to last season, but I think after the way he played this year, I think he put an end to them. He's getting better defensively (still not great) and really what's the point of signing Kessel and then trading his set up man, it doesn't make sense, if the plan on keeping Kessel, Savard is safe too.

Bergeron is impossible to move right now, $4.75 mil for 8 goals, 39 pts and concussion issues, not even the Habs would take him. But that's OK, he's due to break out this season, I feel it! One day I think he'll one of the best 2 way players in the league, hopefully it's in Boston. Reechi is obviously safe. Kobasew, unforunately is my prime candiate. 21 goals in 68 games for $2.3 mil, there are a lot of teams who would love to have him. I would HATE to see him go, but I don't know if they are any other options.

Krejci is safe, Ryder is a possibility but with 27 goals and the way this line played for the entire year I don't see them breaking it up. I'm not as high on Wheeler is most people are, He tries to do way too much himself, he's not very fast and disappeared in the 2nd half of the season/playoffs. However he is talented, big and most importantly young and loaded with potential, but next year he is an RFA, how much is going to want?? Will they have enough with all the other RFAs and deduction to the cap.

The 4th line is safe, Bitz is not going anywhere for a while and Begin and Thornton's salaries being moved likely won't help the cap issues.

Then there is Sturm, where does he fit in, 27 goals in each of his last 2 full season, 29 the year before that with Bos/SJ. 7 in only 19 games last year for $3.5 mil a season. He'll be an UFA in the same season as Bergeron, Savard, Ryder, Kobasew and Chara. As good as the Bs were last year, they were better with Sturm healthy.

So what's that leave us with, Kobasew, Ryder, Wheeler or Sturm. Personally of the 4, I like Wheeler the least, even though he's the youngest with the most potential. I think either him or Ryder should go (only cause of his $4 mil) Either can be replaced by Sturm. I believe he's a LW, but not sure either Ryder or Wheeler have the ability to play the opposite wing, but I think 1 of the 3 of them can. In the end, I think PC will decide to trade Kobasew for either a DMan prospect or draft picks. It is worth noting the both Kessel and Krejci will not start the season, so there are no cap issues til both are back. Do they make a move early or do they wait til November when everyone knows they've got to give up someone?

What do you think?