BRUINS TO SHOP SAMSONOV FOR TOP PICK?

WAYMORESPORTS.COM: reports of rumours out of Boston that the Bruins might offer up winger Sergei Samsonov "and possibly something else" to the Florida Panthers in exchange for the first overall pick in this year's draft. The Bruins would then supposedly use the pick to draft promising young goalie Marc-Andre Fleury. The site suggests it would take more than Samsonov, who's coming off "an injury-ravaged season" to land that pick from the Panthers.

Spector's Note: While the Bruins offence wasn't hurt too badly by the absence of Samsonov, one has to wonder if they might've finished another position higher in the standings if the talented winger had been in the roster. This would be an extreme move by Bruins management, but I don't see them doing this. As talented as Fleury may be, the Bruins need to solidify their goaltending now, now three years down the road. Besides, who says the Panthers - in particular, head coach Mike Keenan - would want Samsonov? He doesn't strike me as a "Keenan-player". If the Bruins do decide to move Samsonov or anyone else to upgrade their roster, I would hazard a guess it would be for an established netminder.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

SAMSONOV UNHAPPY OVER BRUINS GM'S COMMENTS.

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reported last week that Bruins winger Sergei Samsonov was unhappy with what he perceived as being singled out by GM Mike O'Connell for shoddy defensive play. O'Connell was speaking about his club's performance in general, but name Samsonov specifically as one player who needed to step up and play the body more. While Samsonov didn't dispute he's not as physical a player as some of his teammates, he stated he did play as hard as he could physically. O'Connell later said he never meant to single Samsonov. Dupont points out Samsonov is a restricted free agent this summer, and those comments could have an effect on contract negotiations between the two men. It's unknown at this point what the Bruins will do, but Dupont noted the club is reknowned for their hard-line approach to contract talks. Dupont also pointed out Samsonov's agent, Neil Abbott, is also the agent of former Bruins defenceman Kyle McLaren, who suspended contract negotiations with O'Connell last summer and held out to be traded, which he subsequently was to San Jose last January. Several forwards who could be on their way out of Boston this summer includes "(PJ) Axelsson, Michal Grosek, Marty McInnis, P.J. Stock, Oliwa, Stumpel, Rob Zamuner, even (Brian) Rolston." Dupont adds the Bruins would love to dump Martin Lapointe, but no team will touch him at $5.5 million per season.

HACKETT TO RETURN NEXT SEASON?

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports Bruins goaltender Jeff Hackett might not retire after all. His agent, Rick Curran, believes Hackett may wish to play again after he's taken some time to spend with his family in the off-season. Hackett is eligible for UFA status on July first, but it's believed the Bruins would like to re-sign him.

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

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HACKETT TO TEST FREE AGENT MARKET.

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reported on Tuesday that Boston Bruins goaltender and impending UFA Jeff Hackett has informed Bruins GM Mike O'Connell of his intention to test the market this summer. Dupont writes that Hackett hasn't ruled out re-signing with Boston, but with the retirement of Patrick Roy and the Philadelphia Flyers trading Roman Cechmanek to LA last week, it's become a buyer's market for goaltenders. O'Connell suggested going with Steve Shields and either Andrew Raycroft or Tim Thomas as his tandem next season.

Spector's Note: My thanks to Jason Gillett and "Randy". So Hackett decides to test the market less than a week after the Flyers trade Cechmanek and say they'll look to free agency for his replacement. Hmmmmm.....

Wild Goons - Fantasy Hockey League Champion 2002/2003

POTVIN TO BOSTON? STUMPEL BACK TO LA?

EAGLE TRIBUNE.COM: Russ Conway reports The Boston Bruins may try to sign goaltender Felix Potvin now that he's obviously leaving the LA Kings via free agency. Conway also claims the Kings would like to re-acquire forward Josef Stumpel, whom they dealt to the Bruins two seasons ago along with Glen Murray to obtain centre Jason Allison.

Spector's Note: My thanks to "Dancing Boy" for sending this in. The Bruins need to do something to upgrade between the pipes. Potvin's been inconsistent throughout his career, but he may be a better alternative than the goalies already in the Bruins system. As for Stumpel, there was talk of Bruins management's "unhappiness" over his performance this past season, but we'll see if there was anything to it

BRUINS INTERESTED IN PANTHERS PICK?

BOSTON HERALD: Stephen Harris reported last weekend of speculation the Bruins may attempt to deal for the Florida Panthers first round pick (first overall) in this year's draft. Apparently the Bruins would use the pick to draft goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury. Panthers GM Rick Dudley wants "a first-rounder plus two players able to step in and play." Harris believes the Bruins would have to cough up their first round pick (16th overall), Andy Hilbert and either Brian Rolston or Sergei Samsonov.

Spector's Note: That asking price seems a tad steep if you ask me. Samsonov straight up for the first overall pick would be more than fair, although to be honest, I don't see the Bruins shopping him or Rolston. Besides, the Bruins need goaltending help right away, something Fleury won't be ready to do for at least two seasons from now.

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BRUINS TRYING TO LAND BURKE?

BOSTON GLOBE: Kevin Paul Dupont reports the Bruins and Phoenix Coyotes recently discussed a deal that would send veteran goalie Sean Burke to Boston in exchange for the Bruins first round pick (16th overall) in this year's draft. Apparently Bruins GM Mike O'Connell contacted the Coyotes just days after learning Jeff Hackett was opting to test the free agent market. Burke has one year remaining on his contract worth $4.5 million US.

Mike Sullivan neuer Bruins-Headcoach

Boston, 23. Juni Mike Sullivan heißt der neue Trainer der Boston Bruins. Der 743-fache NHL-Spieler trainierte zuletzt das Farmteam der Bruins in Providence und wird im nächsten Jahr der jüngste Cheftrainer der NHL sein. Mit seinen 35 Jahren ist er 13 Monate jünger als Paul Maurice von den Carolina Hurricanes, der bis dato diese Kategorie anführte. Nach der Entlassung von Robbie Ftorek, der seinen Platz neun Spieltage vor dem Ende der "regular season" abgeben musste, übernahm Generalmanager Mike O'Connell übergangsweise das Team. Dennoch schieden die Bruins in fünf Spielen in der ersten Playoff-Runde gegen den späteren Champion New Jersey aus. Sullivan ist bereits der fünfte Trainer, den die Bruins in weniger als drei Jahren Trainer als Cheftrainer anstellten: Nach drei Jahren wurde Pat Burns, aktueller Stanley-Cup Sieger mit New Jersey, bereits nach acht Spielen in der Saison 2000/01 gefeuert. Darauf folgte Mike Keenan, der allerdings nicht die Playoffs erreichte und keinen neuen Vertrag angeboten bekam. In der Saison 2001/02 heuerte man Robbie Ftorek an, der die Playoffs zwar erreichte, die erste Runde jedoch nicht überstand, aber dennoch weitermachen durfte. Als die Bruins in der vergangenen Spielzeit von Platz eins im Dezember weit abrutschten, musste auch Ftorek gehen und O'Connell übernahm das Team. Der Generalmanager ließ aber schon frühzeitig wissen, dass er für den Trainerjob nicht länger zur Verfügung stehe, so dass schon seit geraumer Zeit Gerüchte über Mike Sullivan die Runde machten.

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MORE "BURKE TO THE BRUINS" SPECULATION.

BOSTON GLOBE: Nancy Marrapese-Burrell reported yesterday that speculation continues regarding a potential trade that would see veteran goaltender Sean Burke shipped from Phoenix to the Boston Bruins. She cites an NHL official as claiming the deal was all but done and prospect forward Andy Hilbert would be sent to the Coyotes in the deal.

Spector's Note: My thanks to "Coyote Tony". If the pricetag for Burke was Hilbert, it wouldn't be a bad deal for the Bruins to make in the short term. Still, there are concerns regarding Burke's age, injury history and salary. We'll find out soon enough if this deal's gonna go down...

BRUINS TO GO GOALIE-SHOPPING?

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy reports of growing speculation as to what the Bruins will do to address their need for a new starting goaltending, now that Jeff Hackett has signed with the Philadelphia Flyers. GM Mike O'Connell admitted speaking to the Detroit Red Wings and NY Rangers, although he didn't specify if it was about Curtis Joseph or Mike Dunham, and confirmed speaking to Felix Potvin's agent briefly yesterday.

Spector's Note: The only way the Bruins will take Cujo is if the Wings eat half his salary. Given the contentious relationship between the owners of the Wings and Bruins (which led to Martin Lapointe getting a ridiculous $5.5 mil per season contract two years ago), I doubt that's going to happen. And given Sather's comments about his goaltending (see above), I don't think Dunham's moving, either. Looks like The Cat could be bound for Beantown!

Sweeney seeing Stars

TSN.ca Staff

The Dallas Stars are reportedly close to signing free agent defenseman Don Sweeney from the Boston Bruins.
"There is nothing done, but he is a player we are interested in," Stars GM Doug Armstrong tells the Dallas Morning News. "He fits an area where we have a need."
The Bruins have reportedly told the 36 year old they will not attempt to re-sign him for the upcoming season.

Sweeney has been with the Bruins his entire NHL career. He had three goals and five assists in 67 games last season, averaging 13 minutes of playing time. That was down from the 20-minutes of ice time he saw a year ago.
Sweeney is expected to take a pay cut from the $1.8-million he earned last season with the Bruins in order to join the Stars.
Sweeney was selected by the Bruins in the eighth round of the 1984 draft but was always considered a longshot to make the NHL due to his size. Four years after being selected, Sweeney finally got his shot with the Bruins and the following year he became a permanent fixture on the roster. He would go on to play 1,052 games, leaving him him third on the all-time list behind Ray Bourque and Johnny Bucyk.
"What can I say, he was just terrific for us," Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell tells the Boston Herald. "I'm amazed, though maybe I shouldn't be, at the length of his service with the Bruins and I wish him all the best and nothing but success."

Atenio

Bapho!

Bruins re-sign D Girard, LW Grosek to one-year contracts

BOSTON (Ticker) - The Boston Bruins on Tuesday re-signed defenseman Jonathan Girard and left wing Michal Grosek to one-year contracts on Tuesday.

Girard was a restricted free agent, while Grosek became unrestricted on July 1.

The 23-year-old Girard played his first full NHL season with the Bruins last year, recording six goals and 16 assists in 73 games. He has 10 goals and 34 assists in 150 games over three seasons with the team.

Grosek, 28, signed as a free agent with the Bruins last July and two goals and 18 assists in 63 games. The Czech Republic native started his career with Winnipeg and also played for Buffalo, Chicago and the New York Rangers.

"We look forward to having Jonathan and Michal back," Bruins general manager Mike O'Connell said. "Jonathan's made huge progress and we expect him to have a more significant role with the team this season. Michal is a big, power forward who gives us some strength up the middle, as he also can play center.

"Both players expressed that they like Boston, and that they want to play here."

O'Connell also announced that Group II restricted free agents Brian Rolston,Hal Gill and Bryan Berard have filed for salary arbitration ahead of Tuesday night's deadline for players to file.

Q:nhl.com

John LeClair breaks down the left wing all alone, moves into the circle and cranks a wicked slap shot with zero hesitation. The baffled goaltender is left with no answers, just questions as the First Union Center's horn blazes and the crowd booms.

Bruins sign Ted Donato

BOSTON (bostonbruins.com) - The Boston Bruins have agreed to terms with center/left wing Ted Donato on a one-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Mike O'Connell. In keeping with club policy, terms of the contract were not released.

"Ted brings a veteran presence to the organization, whether he plays in Boston or in Providence," said O'Connell. "He's a solid and versatile player, in that he can play all three forward positions, and this move adds to the depth in our organization."

Donato, 34, returns to the team with which he started his professional career, as he was drafted by the team as their sixth pick (fifth round), 98th overall, in the 1987 NHL Entry Draft. He played four seasons at Harvard University from 1987-1991 and captured an NCAA championship with the Crimson in 1998-99. He played his high school hockey at Catholic Memorial, winning two state championships.

The 5'10", 180 lb. native of Boston represented the United States in the 1992 Winter Olympics, tying for the team lead in points with seven. He joined the Bruins at the conclusion of those Olympic games, playing 10 regular season and 15 playoff games at the end of the 1991-92 season. He enjoyed his best NHL seasons in during his six years with the Bruins, including three 20+ goal seasons with a career-high of 25 in 1996-97, and his best offensive output a 54-point campaign (22-32=54) in 1993-94.

Donato was traded to the New York Islanders in November, 1998 and has also played for the Ottawa, Anaheim, Dallas, Los Angeles, St. Louis and New York Rangers organizations. He split last season between the NY Rangers and their AHL affiliate in Hartford, with 2-1=3 totals with six penalty minutes in 49 Rangers games and 8-12=20 totals with 14 PIM in 18 games with the Wolfpack. His career NHL totals are 144-192=336 with 378 penalty minutes in 733 career NHL games with 8-10=18 totals in 56 career NHL playoff contests.

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