Could Cammalleri Deal Be Sign of Things to Come to Boston?

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 10:01 AM EST in Big Bad Bruins

BOSTON, MA - JANUARY 12: Mike Cammalleri #13 of the Montreal Canadiens takes the puck in the first period against the Boston Bruins on January 12, 2012 at TD Garden in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

"To be honest with you, that wasn't an issue in our locker room, we had put it to rest. There are lots of things that people say that are taken out of context and even if they're said, life goes on."

While the game on the ice tonight was a conservative battle between two teams backed by great goalies and filled with guys willing to get in the way of shots, the action occurring off the ice was anything but. After playing two periods against the Bruins tonight, Mike Cammalleri was told to undress and head back to the hotel to await further instructions. Those instructions would end up being to hop on a plane to meet up with his old team the Calgary Flames as the winger was traded back to Calgary in a deal that would bring Rene Bourque to Montreal.

The deal comes after a comment of Cammalleri's was supposedly taken out of context in it's translation. While Mike talked about the team having a losing mindset plaguing it currently, the idea was expressed more along the line of the team being losers. Even with teammates expressing the sentiment was interpreted incorrectly, it being a non-issue in the room and most importantly, was correct, the Canadiens' management felt it was time for a change and sent Cammalleri back west.

Time will tell what becomes of this Habs team as many questions currently surround it. It could very well end this season facing a complete rebuild which could unfortunately lead to a new coach and a number of new faces in an attempt to rebuild it's culture and winning ways. Until then, this team will continue to fight an uphill battle of competition, news stories, uncertainty and frustration. At this point of the season it's likely to get much worse as the rumors heat up for the deadline.

From a Bruins perspective, this may present an interesting opportunity. The B's are cautious buyers currently; they have cap space, they have a few assets though unlikely the ones they'd be willing to move for a top pair or top 6 target, and they have a few things they could work on but with the team performing as they are and team chemistry at a high, there's little rush to make a deal.

If there was one place that the Bruins would likely look to shore up their roster it'd be in their 7th defenseman. Going into the playoffs there's always a chance the team will run into some series of injuries. Up front they've shown their level of depth, something much improved from 2 seasons ago. On the backend though they're lacking after their starting 6. Steven Kampfer has performed well for them in the past but he's a young, smaller defenseman; not an ideal candidate at this point as a playoff fallback.

So who might be a fit? A guy in Montreal that is originally from this area and a former Bruins might fit. While Hal Gill isn't the offensive defenseman that many want to pick up, he is a reliable shutdown guy who has cup experience, is no bs and wants to win. He's done it before and could be slotted in with most guys on this roster if need be to fill in for injury. Would I expect him to go right in and replace a current starter? No. But he certainly would be a strong option and one that would likely cost less than some of the bigger names out there.

The Bruins do appear to be looking to make a move of some sorts. Tonight Jordan Caron entered the line up for the first time in a while. The former first round pick has been up and down this season to Providence and has been seen by some fans as a disappointment so far. While he is a good defensive player, has size and decent hands, he just hasn't fit in with this team to the point where he's been able to contribute. Much of this may be attributed to his skating which needs work but it could be a number of other things as well. In any case, don't be surprised if this game and a few others he'll likely appear in over the next two weeks are showcase games for him as Peter Chiarelli generates value.

At this point it's all speculative. The Habs could be a partner but could very well not want to go in division. If they did though they'll likely look for prospect/picks that could be invested in or combined and flipped for a name to fill their newly generated cap space. The B's could be looking to move Caron or one of their other forward prospects (such as Sauve, Knight, Spooner or Koko) to help their defense, maybe even with Carolina. Heck, it could even be with Calgary who will need to move money once LTIR money hits the books again. Or they could go somewhere no one has really thought of as Peter Chiarelli proved is possible last season. We'll be keeping our ears open though as we look to see what the secret move could be.

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Comments

Hal Gill

Been there, done that, no thanks

by TomServo42 on Jan 13, 2012 10:04 AM EST reply actions

This. I’m the president of the Hal Gill Haters Club.

Mobile as a tree.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 13, 2012 10:48 AM EST up reply actions

HI! I'm Hal Gill

I piss excellence

by NYC Jim347 on Jan 13, 2012 10:52 AM EST up reply actions 5 recs

Make this green?

Don’t mind if I do.

by dudebro on Jan 13, 2012 12:39 PM EST up reply actions

thank you good sir

I piss excellence

by NYC Jim347 on Jan 14, 2012 1:04 AM EST up reply actions

Isn't that one of the Flyers?

by Satan81 on Jan 13, 2012 7:39 PM EST up reply actions

Habs have second best penalty kill in the league. Reason #1 they do is Hal Gill.

Kevin van Steendelaar

http://www.twitter.com/kvansteendelaar

but don't forget...

http://www.twitter.com/HabsEOTP

by Kevin van Steendelaar on Jan 14, 2012 12:02 PM EST up reply actions

No doubt, he’s great when he can stand in one place, because he sure can’t move

by TomServo42 on Jan 14, 2012 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

I bet the guys in 306 will still chant HAL GILL SUCKS though

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 17, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

I couldn’t possibly disagree more with the notion that Kampfer is a poor fallback option. His numbers have been off-the-charts good in limited time. He’s an excellent puck mover and paired with Ference or McQuaid, his own-zone errors would be covered up. Gill is shot. He’s replacement level at this point.

If Boston wants to make a trade, it needs to be for a top 4 D, not a bottom 3 D. Boychuk is playing extremely well, probably better than he really is, and that would be the guy to target for a trade.

by Phunwin on Jan 13, 2012 10:07 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

concur w/ you on Boychuk, though I’d say Kampfer’s numbers have likewise been a product of Chara pairing. Same effect on both players.

by TomServo42 on Jan 13, 2012 10:10 AM EST up reply actions

Fair point. But if Kampfer’s numbers are a product of the Chara pairing, put him back there! Those are fantastic numbers by any measure.

by Phunwin on Jan 13, 2012 10:19 AM EST up reply actions

But what if (god forbid) Chara goes down?

Do you expect Kampfer’s play to be good enough to slot in this line up at that point?

Let’s not look at this as more than what it is- it’s a depth move. The Bruin’s defense to this point has been good and looked great with Thomas/Rask. I don’t look to replace anyone out there currently- it’s too risky or would be too much of a cost. What they need though is that depth guy for the playoffs that can eat minutes and shut down guys if needed.

As good as Kampfer has been in his limited time, he has little experience, is a smaller defenseman and isn’t a shutdown guy who you can depend on come playoff time (at this point in his career). If the Bruins are to make a move that isn’t going to cost them the far, a guy like Gill is the perfect target. Outside of that, you’ll see them go for another guy who can move the puck if they don’t believe in Corvo or feel as though they could add depth there.

It’s doubtful that you’ll see them go for anything like a long term guy or an upcoming UFA that you’d want to deal for and resign as they’re going to cost a boatload. The asking price on a guy like Suter right now is JVR plus. Would you be willing to give that up to add to the defensive core in that manner with the guy being a UFA?

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

If god forbid Chara goes down, then the acquisition they make is going to be irrelevant because they won’t be Cup Contenders at that point.

He’s the one player that I feel they have no shot of replacing if he goes down. The other might be Bergeron.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 13, 2012 10:38 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Agreed.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 13, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Unless they’re acquiring Ryan Suter.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 13, 2012 10:39 AM EST up reply actions

Yes..

Their GM as already intimated he would be willing to trade one of Suter/Weber at the deadline if their demands are too high for the team to match. I think thie Bs team really does need another top 4 Dman for the playoff run. Corvo is really scaring me lately. He is better than Kabs, but that’s not really saying much.

by Federko on Jan 13, 2012 10:44 AM EST up reply actions

I would love Suter, that type of trade doesn’t seem like Chiarelli’s style though. Obviously the Bruins wouldn’t trade Hamilton for a UFA, but I could sense a desperate Flyers team dealing Schenn/Couturier and hoping they can re-sign him before FA.

by Michael Taylor on Jan 13, 2012 10:50 AM EST up reply actions

They won with Kabs. If Corvo is better than do you really go for an upgrade? Especially when what you brought Kabs in for was to help the transition game and QB the PP- something the B’s have been able to do much better than last season.

Also, if the starting price of Suter is JVR+, would you be willing to part with that type of asset from the B’s organization? Especially when the chances of resigning him and keeping this core of this team together beyond next season is extremely thin?

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

Chara4Norris

I think we’re all kidding ourselves if they’re going to get Suter or Weber without giving up something significant… B’s would be scary with that type of addition, though
What are the Preds asking for Suter/Weber anyways? Probably want mix of prospects/picks and guys who can play now… means you have to give up guys along lines of Lucic maybe???

by Sedds82 on Jan 13, 2012 7:15 PM EST up reply actions

a scorer is what they need

Your 2011 Stanley Cup Champion Boston Bruins

Hockey Blog Adventure is my blog but I'm way more active on Twitter.) GO BRUINS! (and Wild!)

by Cornelius Hardenbergh on Jan 17, 2012 10:54 AM EST up reply actions

claude prefers Boychuk’s defensive responsibility – relatively speaking of course…

by TomServo42 on Jan 13, 2012 10:36 AM EST up reply actions

why piss on boychuk?

they guy is playing well and I think its sustainable as long as he is paired w Chara. Boychuk’s problem has been learning the system and how to be a D man. He seems to finally be learning it, and physically he is a stud. He’s a young D man w huge shot, good size, and good mobility. Keep him and dump corvo.

by Tbone Jones on Jan 13, 2012 1:39 PM EST up reply actions

fwiw..

Chiarelli stated he is looking for both help up front and at Defense.
http://www.thefourthperiod.com/news/bos120108.html

by Federko on Jan 13, 2012 10:47 AM EST reply actions

That’s essentially everyone’s goal at this point though. Teams win in the playoffs with depth and while the B’s starting roster is deep, they’re a bit thin in reserves at this point.

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

So, has anyone heard,

does Subban have a Shanahearing scheduled?

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 13, 2012 10:55 AM EST reply actions

nothing yet, but he certainly should be due one.

by Ryan Durling on Jan 13, 2012 11:00 AM EST up reply actions

Doubtful. Predatory hit but not enough of a bad shot to make it called up.

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:03 AM EST up reply actions

I could see it meriting a phone call if only to discuss the matter. No guarantee of punishment though.

PD feels its a shannaban though.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 13, 2012 11:06 AM EST up reply actions

it won't be a shannaban

becuase he’s not a Bruin.
Only Bruins hit to injure because only Bruins are goons. Ask the rest of the league; they’re ALLLLL GOOOOONS!
ESPECIALLY DAVID KREJCI.

Carry On.

by Birda on Jan 13, 2012 11:31 AM EST up reply actions 1 recs

sarcasm it might not be subtle, but it works like a charm

Carry On.

by Birda on Jan 13, 2012 11:32 AM EST up reply actions

Their next game is tomorrow so I would expect word later today if it’s happening at all. Should at least merit a phone call but who knows.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 13, 2012 11:01 AM EST up reply actions

I would think a phone call is merited.

Kick his ass, Seabass!

by phonymahoney on Jan 13, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

No action taken by the NHL.

via twitter

by Sinnach on Jan 13, 2012 12:03 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not going to get into the Gill-is-better-or-worse-than-whoever talk, but only because I don’t see the Canadiens making a deal with the Bruins anytime ever.

Even if it is for (joke about Caron being fluent in French).

by Ryan Durling on Jan 13, 2012 11:02 AM EST reply actions

LeBrun's blog today

LeBrun quotes Chiarelli: “I would like to add depth-wise on the forward front and depth-wise on the defenseman front. But I don’t want to subtract anything.” He also talks a lot about not wanting to disrupt the team chemistry.

Tim Gleason gets mentioned. Beauchemin was mentioned in a different article.

I wonder if Mike Green is available. He’s such an injury risk that no team would want to give up much of value for him, meaning that Washington probably wouldn’t let him go, but you never know.

by Black Bird on Jan 13, 2012 11:11 AM EST reply actions

Gleason I’m almost positive is a HF generated idea. I haven’t heard that outside of there and a few people speculating. I wouldn’t be surprised by it- but I also think it’s going to come at a cost that PC isn’t willing to pay.

Green would be interesting if available BUT compare him to our defense right now. Which guy would he be able to take over for if they went down? There’s only 1 guy in our line up that I think he could cover for and that’s Corvo. We’re going into the playoffs with guys that are mostly defensive Dmen + Corvo and our top 2 guys. If Seids or Boychuk went down for instance, Green would be lacking the ability to fill in I think- unless we just drop him with Chara. That’s more of a regular season play for this team though I think rather than a playoff depth move.

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

Pending UFA. Carolina is going to be selling. Makes some sense and cost shouldn’t be too bad given rental status.

by BobbyOrrsBastard on Jan 13, 2012 11:23 AM EST up reply actions

Comparing to UFA rental prices last year, it’s likely going to be a bit more than what the B’s are willing to give up- especially if they’re looking strictly for depth.

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:29 AM EST up reply actions

i’m all for Beauchemin but Anaheim reportedly looking for roster players. But hey, if Caron keeps knocking in layups, maybe we can fool em

by TomServo42 on Jan 13, 2012 11:19 AM EST up reply actions

Another option that could happen there. Good call.

by dwatson783 on Jan 13, 2012 11:20 AM EST up reply actions

Pavel Kubina?

Another UFA defenseman on a bad team (Tampa).

by Black Bird on Jan 13, 2012 11:59 AM EST up reply actions

he’s got middling-to-bad Corsi/QoC. His zone finishes are consistently near 50% Dzone – not great at getting out of his own end. (ditto for Gleason actually)

Doesn’t seem like he’d be all that worth acquiring, not a huge upgrade on Kampfer.

Again, largely a product of Chara, but Kampfer’s stats last year show he was quite effective at getting us out of our end. I’m coming round to Phunwin’s position after a closer stat look

by TomServo42 on Jan 13, 2012 12:15 PM EST up reply actions