Projo Sports Blog

Allan Muir of SI.com has a quick take on Boston GM Peter Chiarelli's work at the trade deadline:

Nokelainen to Anaheim for Montador

Here's one of those deals that's going to look a lot more important in May than it does now.

Steve Montador's a gritty veteran who fills a need for a right-handed depth defender. His jersey won't be a big seller at the souvenir shop, but he brings a smart, tough game -- he plays like a Bruin.

Depth forward Petteri Nokelainen's struggled to stick in the NHL this season, but he's a big body who projects as a solid checking line forward.

That's exactly what the Ducks need with all three members of their third line eligible for unrestricted free agency this summer.

Karsums and Lashoff to Tampa for Recchi and a 2nd round pick

Great add for the B's, who desperately needed a top-six forward to replace Marco Sturm. His playoff experience will be hugely valuable for a team that relies so heavily on young and/or inexperienced players.

If Boston wins the Cup then, hey, they win this deal in a walk. If not, it looks as though Tampa picked their pockets, adding two young players who can step in and contribute -- if not next year, then soon.

Lashoff, a former first-rounder, is an offensive-minded blueliner. Great skater, great first pass, but needs to work on his decision-making in his own zone. With coaching, he could mature into a top-four defender.

Karsums, a former second-rounder, is a feisty checker with some touch who should become a reliable depth forward. It's a lot to give up, but the Bruins were dealing from a position of strength.

Lashoff had been passed on the depth chart by Matt Hunwick, and he didn't look to have a future with the team. Karsums looks like a lock to be a player, but the B's have Brad Marchand slotted into that role in the future.

 Tags  Boston Bruins

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