Bruins fans are left to speculate how history might have unfolded differently for both the Black and Gold and Tavares, had discussions that summer convinced him to join Boston instead of Toronto.
At that time, the Bruins showed genuine interest in acquiring the then-27-year-old Islanders player. However, when the financial figures escalated rapidly — and look even more absurd today — it became clear where the durable center would spend the prime years of his career.
Still, we can’t help but consider how Tavares’s presence in Black and Gold could have changed the scenario.
For one, Tavares would have fit seamlessly into a 2018-19 Bruins lineup that reached Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final. Such a roster with Tavares, Patrice Bergeron, and David Krejci centering the attack would have been formidable. Those three centers would have been unmatched for several years ahead.
Ultimately, the ‘19 Cup did not elude the Bruins solely because Ryan O’Reilly left the Garden that night with the Cup and the Conn Smythe (MVP), although O’Reilly played a significant role. Had Tavares joined the team, coach Bruce Cassidy would have enjoyed various options regarding faceoff and line matchups, easing the load on the 33-year-old Bergeron (six years older than Tavares), and it’s not unreasonable to speculate how the Cup might have turned out differently.
Over the six seasons that Tavares has been with the Leafs, they have stumbled in six of seven playoff rounds, accumulating a record of 19-25.
In contrast, the Bruins participated in 12 playoff series during those six years (6-6), including two victories against Tavares and the Leafs, with an overall record of 38-34.
On the 2018-19 Boston roster, the largest cap hits belonged to Krejci ($7.25 million) and Tuukka Rask ($7 million), followed closely by Bergeron ($6.875 million), Brad Marchand ($6.125 million), David Backes ($6 million), Torey Krug ($5.25 million), and captain Zdeno Chara ($5 million). It wasn’t until last season that any Bruins player began to earn what could be termed “Tavares money,” when David Pastrnak’s new contract commenced at $11.25 million annually.
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The Leafs were indeed far ahead of the curve, but unfortunately, that path led to a dead end. It’s uncertain how general manager Don Sweeney would have managed the finances, even if he had successfully enticed Tavares to join for around $8 million annually. Backes was in the second year of his five-year, $30 million contract, a burdensome overcommitment that Sweeney couldn’t resolve until he traded Backes to Anaheim late in the 2019-20 season.
Regardless of the numbers involved, the situation became irrelevant when the Leafs laid out $77 million. This deal generated significant buzz in Toronto, marking the return of one of their own. However, headlines alone do not secure a championship.
Fast forward six years, and with new GM Brad Treliving orchestrating yet another roster overhaul, history has demonstrated that Tavares was part of an expensive investment in a flashy forward lineup, which came at the expense of solidifying the defense and goaltending. The result: only a single series victory against Tampa Bay in the first round of the 2023 playoffs.
The Leafs are expected to improve in 2024-25, though the team’s high-scoring leader Matthews, who is nearing his 27th birthday, may not be the sole reason for this potential lift. Treliving bolstered the defense substantially last month by signing free agents Chris Tanev and Oliver Ekman-Larson. There remains uncertainty in goal, as a clear number one has yet to emerge unless former Boston College player Joseph Woll rises to the occasion. Nonetheless, the overall roster appears more balanced, arguably the strongest configuration since Tavares joined as the anticipated cornerstone player.
Additionally, the Leafs have a new disciplinary figure in Craig Berube, the straightforward coach who guided the Blues to their championship in 2019. He now oversees Tavares, the athlete who might have altered the outcome of the Bruins’ championship story on June 12, 2019.
In the six years that Tavares has been in Toronto, the Leafs have lost six of seven playoff rounds.Nick Wass/Associated Press
BIG DEAL
Which Laine will Canadiens get?
On Monday, the Canadiens made a significant acquisition by securing Patrik Laine, who could significantly enhance Martin St. Louis’s offensive strategy. It is crucial to emphasize one aspect: his potential.
If the Laine who averaged 35 goals during his first four NHL seasons (with Winnipeg) shows up, then Habs GM Kent Hughes has executed a savvy deal. Only a few 18-year-olds enter the league with the scoring prowess that Laine exhibited when he was drafted second overall in the 2016 draft. The first overall pick, Auston Matthews, has certainly proven his worth, currently boasting 368 goals with the Maple Leafs.
Conversely, if Laine is the player who only managed to net 66 goals in his last 175 games (collectively played with Columbus), the Canadiens might find themselves moving on after two seasons, having incurred a $7.3 million cap hit and losing Jordan Harris, the former Northeastern defenseman. Additionally, Hughes obtained a Round 2 draft pick (2026) in this transaction — an asset that helped to rationalize the sizable financial commitment.
During a media Zoom call, Hughes mentioned he communicated to Laine that his success with the Canadiens would not be judged solely on his goal scoring.
“If you come here ready to
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“Contribute to this team,” reflected Hughes, who represented Patrice Bergeron for many years as an agent. “Do everything you can to help us improve. If this is the opportunity you’re seeking, then there’s no need to discuss it further. Your success here will not be strictly measured by whether you net 20 or 40 goals.”
Laine is just 26 years old and stands tall at 6 feet 5 inches, weighing 215 pounds, playing from the left side. He unleashes a powerful right-handed shot, especially dangerous during power plays (think: Mike Bossy release). Last season, he spent a significant amount of time out of the Blue Jackets’ lineup, seeking support through the Player Assistance Program.
Few teams had the financial capacity to absorb a large portion of Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit. Only Utah, San Jose, Detroit, Calgary, and Anaheim had the budget flexibility to acquire Laine without needing to send a player or two back to the Blue Jackets. After the trade, the Canadiens found themselves more than $1 million over the cap limit. It’s important to note that teams must be compliant with the $88 million salary cap by the season opener.
With Harris arriving at a $1.4 million cap hit, Columbus achieved a net savings of $7.3 million, allowing new GM Don Waddell to pursue aggressive roster improvements. According to puckpedia.com, the Blue Jackets now have just over $18 million available to spend, although the unrestricted free agent market has little more than leftovers, roughly eight weeks after the annual July 1 event.
Waddell might opt for the path that Don Sweeney took in July 2023, bringing in some million-dollar-a-year placeholders. Notably, James van Riemsdyk, Kevin Shattenkirk, and Cup-winning Kyle Okposo were still without contracts as the weekend approached.
More likely, Waddell will spend this season assessing the talent he has taken over. This will enable him to determine who to trade during next spring’s deadline, paving the way for a potential franchise reset in the free agency market next July.
The first step was to clear Laine off the books. Only weeks after leaving his position as the Hurricanes’ key decision-maker, Waddell successfully managed to offload a costly and unconventional asset—a challenging task in today’s salary cap environment.
ETC.
Offers bring back memories
Recently, there has been an intriguing exchange between the Oilers and Blues, reminiscent of the discussions surrounding the Boston-Hartford deal from 30 years ago (Aug. 26, 1994), in which the Bruins somewhat reluctantly traded defenseman Glen Wesley to the Whalers.
On Tuesday, the Blues signed two restricted free agents from the Oilers, Philip Broberg and Dylan Holloway.
FA offer sheets are rarer than ice shavings in Death Valley. The last instance occurred in August 2021 when the Hurricanes signed promising forward Jesperi Kotkaniemi from Montreal. The Canadiens chose not to match the one-year, $6.1 million offer, accepting the compensation mandated by the CBA, which included a Round 1 and a Round 3 draft pick.
Back in 1994, newly appointed Whalers GM Jim Rutherford was ready to throw a rock through Harry Sinden’s picture window on Causeway Street with a Group 2 offer sheet totaling three years and $5 million for Wesley, who was 25 and already had seven years of experience on the Bruins’ blue line.
Instead, Sinden and Rutherford orchestrated a trade, with the Bruins allowing Wesley to leave in exchange for three first-round picks. Sinden was reluctant to match the contract that the Forever .500s were set to extend to Wesley and did not wish to leave the terms to an arbitrator, particularly while paying Ray Bourque $2.5 million annually.
Consequently, the three first-round picks were sent to Boston. Rutherford acquired the ideal player to complement a young Chris Pronger, while Sinden gained what he referred to as “a hell of a lot of flexibility.”
“For instance,” Sinden noted that day, “let’s consider our goaltending situation. We plan to go with the young players, Blaine Lacher and Evgeni Ryabchikov, but we need to see how they perform in camp. If things don’t pan out, having these three picks puts us in a position to make immediate corrections. If the young goaltenders perform well, we might be able to improve our team at another position. We believe our future looks promising with six first-round picks over the next three years.”
Unfortunately, Lacher proved disappointing, leading Sinden to make moves later in the season to acquire Craig Billington and Vincent Riendeau. Ryabchikov, selected 21st in the 1994 draft, never appeared in an NHL game during his four seasons in North America, spending all his time in the minor leagues.
the Bruins utilized all three first-round picks to select Kyle McLaren (No. 9/1995), Johnathan Aitken (No. 8/1996), and Sergei “The Magical Moscovite” Samsonov (No. 8/1997). keeping Wesley at a salary of $1.67 million per year would have been the wiser choice, especially considering that Al Iafrate, obtained in March 1994, would never wear the Black and Gold again. His tenure with the Bruins lasted a mere 25 games.
Midway through the 1995-96 season, Sinden finally acquired a goalie, bringing back Bill Ranford from Edmonton. This transaction included sending out Boston’s own first pick in the 1996 draft (No. 16), along with Mariusz Czerkawski and
Sean Brown. Brown was among the six first-round selections, picked 21st overall in 1995.
In Edmonton, the new Oilers GM Stan Bowman received a Round 2 pick for Broberg and a Round 3 pick for Holloway. Bowman is keen on minimizing payroll to accommodate the lucrative contracts Leon Draisaitl (UFA 2025) and Connor McDavid (UFA 2026) will be negotiating.
At the same time, the Bruins are at risk of a competitor submitting an RFA offer sheet for their franchise goalie, Jeremy Swayman.
If GM Don Sweeney decides not to match an offer to Swayman that reaches $11.4 million per year, the team would receive four draft picks: two in Round 1, one in Round 2, and one in Round 3.
An offer exceeding $11.4 million annually would yield four first-round picks—just one more than the yield from Wesley’s trade 30 years ago.
Lauko kept the hits coming
Amid the usual flurry of NHL transactions in late June and early July, one significant change occurred: The Bruins traded their most active hitter from last season’s roster, Jakub Lauko, on June 29, sending him to the Wild.
In 60 games, Lauko recorded 176 hits, placing him second behind Trent Frederic (204) on the Black and Gold roster. However, Lauko contributed at an exceptional rate, achieving an impressive 17.92 hits per 60 minutes despite usually spending fewer minutes on the ice as a fourth-line player. In comparison, Frederic, often in the top-six forward role, tallied 10.85 hits per 60 minutes.
In fact, Lauko’s 17.92 hits per 60 minutes ranked sixth in the league among players who appeared in at least 60 games. The top contenders included Michael Pezzetta from Montreal at 30.53, Nicolas Deslauriers from Philadelphia at 23.06, and Keegan Kolesar from Vegas at 19.36.
Lauko’s tenacity could be advantageous for a Wild roster that last season saw Marcus Foligno lead in hits with 179 over 55 games. The Wild’s top performer per 60 minutes was Brandon Duhaime, who recorded 14.04, though the 6-foot-2-inch right winger was traded to the Avalanche at the March deadline.
The Bruins traded Lauko to the Wild to slightly improve their position in Round 4 of the draft, where they selected 6-2 defenseman Elliott Groenewold with the 110th pick. Groenewold, who spent last season with the USHL Cedar Rapids team, is set to begin his freshman year at Quinnipiac.
The ever-smiling Lauko, chosen 77th overall in the 2018 draft, played only 83 regular
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Throughout his initial five professional seasons, Lauko participated in a significant number of games with the Bruins. He exhibited moments of offensive skill and creativity during his time with AHL Providence, a level of performance he rarely showcased at the varsity level, where he primarily handled bottom-six responsibilities.
Even with the Wild, Lauko is likely to face challenges in earning opportunities higher up the lineup. Nevertheless, he possesses the endurance to maintain an aggressive forechecking pace and demonstrates a strong desire to pursue and complete checks.
Although such a limited, specialized skill set may not generate headlines, it can serve as a foundation for a long-term NHL career. A prime example is Tom Fitzgerald, who played 1,097 games (with his last 71 appearances for the Bruins) and never managed more than 34 points in any season. Fitzgerald constructed his career on a relentless and intelligent style of play, particularly excelling as a high-energy forechecker.
WATCH: The team’s top goaltender has yet to finalize a contract. What’s causing the delay? Should fans be concerned? Boston.com’s Conor Ryan provides insight.
Loose pucks
Center Charlie Coyle and former goalie Andrew Raycroft will be present on Sunday at 1 p.m. at Memorial Hall in Plymouth for the Bruins/Wegmans Fan Fest weekend, partly to celebrate the 100-day countdown to the December 1 matinee at the Garden against the Canadiens. This game will mark the conclusion of the Bruins’ Centennial celebration, commemorating 100 years since the Bruins played their inaugural NHL match against the Montreal Maroons. Additionally, Jordan Harris, who played at Kimball Union before spending four seasons at Northeastern, possesses the speed to compete within the Blue Jackets’ top two defensive pairings. Last season, he played lower in the defensive lineup with the Canadiens (averaging 17:28 in ice time) and is likely to see even less action now that the impressive Lane Hutson (also a left shot) is poised to break into the lineup for Les Glorieux. Selected No. 71 in the 2018 draft, just weeks prior to starting his NU career, Harris chose to complete all four years of schooling to obtain his degree before signing with the Habs, opting against waiting until August to declare free agency and entertain offers from various teams. Now he has landed with the Blue Jackets, further illustrating the business aspect of the sport. Furthermore, Avalanche coach Jared Bednar expressed optimism to reporters in Charleston, S.C., where he resides during the offseason, about Gabriel Landeskog potentially returning to the lineup sometime between 4-8 weeks into the season. The talented Swedish winger has been sidelined due to knee issues (including a cartilage transplant) since playing a crucial role in securing the Cup in 2022. While he will have some rust to shake off, Landeskog, who turns 32 in November, possesses the abilities and work ethic necessary to tackle the challenge. Similar to Kevan Miller, who was 33 when he had to retire from the Bruins, the outcome will hinge on whether Landeskog’s knee can endure the grueling demands of gameplay. All too often, physical limitations overshadow mental resilience. He still has five years remaining on his contract with a $7 million cap hit. On the topic of physical play, former Bruins defenseman Jeremy Lauzon
“`Jared Lauzon, selected during the 2021 Seattle expansion draft, concluded the 2023-24 season with a league-record 383 hits. Another former Bruin, Garnet Hathaway, secured the second spot with 326. Lauzon, aged 27, has two years left on a contract that carries a $2 million cap hit. Additionally, Wesley has served as a player development coach since his final game with the Hurricanes in the spring of 2008. He dedicated the first decade to the Carolina organization, focusing on defensemen, and is now entering his sixth season as a development coach with the Blues. He made his debut with the Blues during their Cup-winning season in 2018-19.
Kevin Paul Dupont can be reached at kevin.dupont@globe.com.
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Could John Tavares Have Changed the Bruins’ Championship Destiny?
Understanding John Tavares’ Impact in the NHL
John Tavares, a name synonymous with elite hockey performance, has long been a pivotal player in the NHL. Born on September 20, 1990, in Mississauga, Ontario, Tavares was drafted first overall by the New York Islanders in 2009. Known for his exceptional skill set, including sharp playmaking ability, goal-scoring prowess, and leadership qualities, Tavares has left an indelible mark on every team he has played for. But could his gameplay have shifted the Boston Bruins’ chances of clinching a championship during his career?
A Brief History of the Boston Bruins’ Championship Runs
The Boston Bruins, one of the Original Six franchises in the NHL, boast a storied history marked by significant achievements. The team has won the Stanley Cup six times, with the most recent victory in 2011. Despite their competitive nature and numerous playoff appearances, the Bruins have faced challenges on their path to glory. Analyzing their performance closely reveals key moments where having a player like Tavares could have altered the course of their postseason journeys.
Recent Championship Aspirations
As of 2023, the Bruins have been a consistent playoff team, frequently competing for the Stanley Cup. However, the franchise has faced several setbacks. Let’s delve into a few seasons where Tavares’ potential impact could have made a difference:
- 2013 Playoffs: The Bruins reached the Stanley Cup Finals but lost to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.
- 2019 Playoffs: The Bruins made it to the Finals again, only to fall to the St. Louis Blues in seven games.
- 2020 Season: The Bruins finished first in the NHL standings but were eliminated in the playoffs.
How John Tavares Could Have Influenced Key Matches
Tavares’ style of play could have provided the Bruins with a much-needed edge in crucial games. Here are key areas where his addition might have shifted outcomes:
1. Offensive Powerhouse
Tavares is known for his scoring ability, consistently ranking among the league’s top players. His knack for finding the back of the net might have boosted the Bruins’ offensive output during tight playoff matchups.
- In the 2013 Finals, the Bruins struggled to score against the Blackhawks’ strong defense.
- In 2019, Tavares’ presence could have provided an additional scoring option to complement the likes of Brad Marchand and David Pastrnak.
2. Leadership and Experience
As the captain of the Toronto Maple Leafs, Tavares has demonstrated immense leadership qualities. His experience in high-pressure environments could have positively influenced younger players on the Bruins roster.
- His calm demeanor would provide stability during critical game moments.
- Tavares’ mentorship could enhance the development of emerging stars like Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk.
3. Playmaking Abilities
Tavares’ vision and playmaking skills are unmatched. He excels at setting up teammates for scoring opportunities, which could have contributed significantly to the Bruins’ offensive schemes:
- In tight playoff games, his ability to create scoring chances could have turned the tide.
- His chemistry with fellow forwards might have led to more dynamic line combinations.
Statistical Analysis of Tavares’ Performance
To understand Tavares’ potential impact on the Bruins, we can analyze some of his career statistics against team performance in critical seasons.
| Season | Goals | Assists | Points | Playoff Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-2019 | 47 | 41 | 88 | Stanley Cup Final |
| 2019-2020 | 26 | 30 | 56 | First Round Exit |
| 2020-2021 | 18 | 24 | 42 | First Round Exit |
Benefits of Tavares Joining the Bruins
If John Tavares had donned the Black and Gold, the Bruins could have potentially enjoyed several benefits:
- Increased Goal Production: Tavares’ consistent scoring would provide a reliable threat.
- Enhanced Playoff Performance: His playoff experience might translate into deeper runs and more wins.
- Richer Team Dynamics: The presence of a star player can elevate the gameplay of others, fostering a winning culture.
Case Studies: Other Teams’ Transformations
Several teams have altered their course with the acquisition of key players. Here’s a look at a few case studies:
1. Tampa Bay Lightning - Steven Stamkos
When the Lightning drafted Steven Stamkos in 2008, his impact was immediate. His goal-scoring ability was pivotal in leading the team to two Stanley Cup victories in 2020 and 2021.
2. Chicago Blackhawks – Patrick Kane
Patrick Kane’s arrival redefined Chicago’s offense, contributing to three Stanley Cup wins. His playmaking skills complemented established players, creating an unstoppable force.
First-Hand Experience: A Fan’s Perspective
As a lifelong Bruins fan, the thought of Tavares in Boston evokes a mix of excitement and nostalgia. Reflecting on games where the Bruins fell short, it’s hard not to wonder how a player of Tavares’ caliber could have made a difference. His ability to turn the tide during crunch moments could have altered the landscape of the NHL playoffs in recent years.
Conclusion
While we can only speculate about the impact John Tavares could have had on the Boston Bruins’ championship pursuits, one thing is clear: his exceptional skills as a player, combined with his leadership, could have changed the dynamics of crucial playoff matches. As the Bruins continue to strive for hockey’s ultimate prize, the legacy of what could have been with Tavares remains a compelling narrative in the world of sports.
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