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With Peter Cehlarik and Trent Frederic sent to Providence and Torey Krug placed on injured reserve on Monday, the Bruins got a few steps closer to their Opening Night roster.
However, one question remains: what are the Bruins doing with their PTO guys, Daniel Winnik and Lee Stempniak?
Right now...nothing.
Bruce Cassidy provided an update on the two at the team’s Media Day yesterday.
From the team:
“Winnik has another opportunity he’s currently exploring...we’re going to be in contact with him over the next few days,” said Cassidy. “Same thing with [Lee Stempniak]. PTOs will expire officially on [October 3rd]...it doesn’t mean Lee won’t stay with us and continue to play with us.”
So the update is...that there really is no update? NICE.
It’s interesting to read that Winnik has another opportunity. Was it another NHL team that watched his camp with the Bruins and is ready to swoop in, or is it an opportunity overseas?
The tough part is that the Bruins are currently at 13 forwards, excluding both guys on PTOs. There are eight defensemen on the roster, including Steven Kampfer and Urho Vaakanainen. If you include the two goalies, that’s 23 skaters.
It’s safe to assume that the B’s aren’t going to carry 8 defensemen every night, but even sending one of Vaakanainen or Kampfer to Providence leaves one real spot for either Winnik or Stempniak.
The take home point: there isn’t a ton of room at the inn right now for either player. The Bruins may end up signing one as a depth guy, but playing time will likely be hard to come by.