Antoine Vermette was waived by the Coyotes today, and a lot of Bruins fans see him as an attractive name for the team. They have good reason to, considering the B's were on the bring of acquiring him at the last deadline. However, only trouble can follow the acquisition of this aging center.
First off, the Bruins don't need another center. Already, they have Bergeron, Backes, and Krejci, three natural centers, and will have to move one, most likely Krecji, to the wing. They don't even have enough room for those three, let alone another veteran in the mix. Not to mention, the emergence of Ryan Spooner last year as a mid-line talent makes it hard to see him on the fourth line.
Even if you eliminate the crowded roster, Vermette gives ample reason for Boston to stay away. His production is in alarming decline, and he has had only one 40 point season in the last five years. His +/- hasn't been positive since 2009. And, even though he will be a relatively inexpensive signing, the Bruins should value every dollar of cap space after seeing danger of their recent visit to "cap jail".
But, knowing Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, and the Bruins front office, Vermette will be signed, and the youth of the organization will never see action on the big stage. Which leads me into another rant for another time.
First off, the Bruins don't need another center. Already, they have Bergeron, Backes, and Krejci, three natural centers, and will have to move one, most likely Krecji, to the wing. They don't even have enough room for those three, let alone another veteran in the mix. Not to mention, the emergence of Ryan Spooner last year as a mid-line talent makes it hard to see him on the fourth line.
Even if you eliminate the crowded roster, Vermette gives ample reason for Boston to stay away. His production is in alarming decline, and he has had only one 40 point season in the last five years. His +/- hasn't been positive since 2009. And, even though he will be a relatively inexpensive signing, the Bruins should value every dollar of cap space after seeing danger of their recent visit to "cap jail".
But, knowing Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, and the Bruins front office, Vermette will be signed, and the youth of the organization will never see action on the big stage. Which leads me into another rant for another time.