Fresh Links: Strategy

In Bruins news you can use:

• The Bruins have signed a left-shot defenseman to an entry-level contract. CBS Boston
• Jeremy Lauzon and Jakub Zboril are the other young lefty defensemen in the pipeline, and the signing may hint at the future of Torey Krug. Boston Globe
• There is a LOT of enthusiasm for the Urho Vaakanainen signing, as demonstrated in the replies to his tweet acknowledging the news. @UVaakanainen
• Hear out Ty Anderson on why the Bruins should pursue 35-year-old Ilya Kovalchuk. 98.5 The Sports Hub
• Besides, if the Bruins don’t land either him or Rick Nash, we might end up with an old friend, if you follow this logic. The Sports Daily
• Down near the bottom of this potpourri is a reminder that since Boston seeks secondary scoring, Anders Bjork is due to return to action this fall. WEEI
• Should the Bruins consider trading away David Backes? The Hockey Writers
• Enjoy this look at the marvel that is Zdeno Chara in honor of his having signed up for another year in Boston. (With videos) Black ‘n Gold Hockey
• Meanwhile, in Providence, Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson has had the honor of having his game compared to that of Patrice Bergeron. Providence Bruins
• David Pastrnak apparently is a tennis fan, and may plan to be at Wimbledon. @JaroslavPlasil

Elsewhere around the rink:

• Not to jinx any current or former Bruins, but Friday begins the window for NHL contract buyouts. Here’s a primer on the rules, along with some examples. Pension Plan Puppets
• Sure, draft picks get traded as NHL Draft approaches, but is it common? Sportsnet
• Nightmare fuel? Things got chippy once between the University of Minnesota Golden Gopher and the Michigan Tech Husky mascots. @NHLHistoryGirl
• Oh, and look just below- Snazzy jacket, Phil Esposito! @NHLHistoryGirl
• A reminder, if you’re jonesing for Bruins video this summer, you NEED to visit Dafoomie. YouTube