LeBrun on Bruins, thin UFA crop, and Johansen
/Pierre LeBrun was on TSN 1200 Monday afternoon.
“Not knowing exactly what the Bruins are asking for in return, don’t forget that Johnny Boychuk is a UFA next summer. So are you trading for a rental player and how much do you want to give up for that, right? Again, we’re not saying for sure it’s going to be him that going to be moved, it could be another defenseman on that team – Bartkowski’s name has been out there as well...
“I’ve spoken to a couple of teams that I can’t name, but that for sure have talked with Boston and have interest in him; but that’s part of the debate, is how much of an asset do we give up for a guy who may get up and walk in a year? And I think that’s been one of the things that they’re thinking about.”
“I just think if you had a chance at the market next summer, I would, because it is thin. Oh my gosh. And there’s going to be some overspending because of it on who is there.”
“There are going to be some guys getting paid way more than they’re worth next summer because it is, to me, possibly the most thin UFA crop in the history of the game next July.”
“I don’t see it (another team making an offer sheet on Ryan Johansen) at this point. I just think when you talk to teams that they know that Columbus has told everyone they would match it. So if you know that going in, then what exactly is the point other than to make an enemy for life in John Davidson? (Laughs) Never say never, because as each week goes in this dramatic standoff there are new pressure points and things can change. But I just think it would have happened by now. And I know from checking with both sides today that all signs pointed toward status quo for now.”
Source: TSN 1200/ Transcript: Nichols on Hockey