B's open without McLaren: O'Connell is talking trade
Thursday, September 12, 2002
WILMINGTON - General manager Mike O'Connell held a meeting with the Bruins' pro scouts and other members of his staff to compile a list of players the team would be willing to take in exchange for Kyle McLaren.
The list will not be terribly long.
McLaren, who has demanded a trade and vowed not to re-sign with the B's, made his no-show official last night. The defenseman was absent when the veterans reported to camp at Ristuccia Arena in preparation for this morning's opening practice.
``We're going to put together a list of players who we'd consider trading Kyle for,'' said O'Connell. ``I can tell you right now, it's going to be a very short list - and the list probably contains names that other teams are not going to want to give up. If we're going to lose a defenseman of Kyle's caliber, if he's not going to show up, we have to get an equivalent player from another team. That's almost impossible.
``I'm not posturing here, this is just the way it is. We know what we have in Kyle. We think he's going to be a terrific player for us. And then you look at what we have to get for him - a physical player, with good size and youth, whether it's a forward or a defenseman - it's going to be difficult.''
O'Connell acknowledged that a serious injury, a sub-par showing by a key player and/or a rotten start by the team could make the B's more inclined to deal McLaren. But for now, it's doubtful the 25-year-old, seven-year veteran is going anywhere.
``As I've said all along we want him on our team. That hasn't changed,'' said O'Connell. ``Hopefully he'll have a change of heart. Our top players have come back in phenominal shape. They've worked hard this summer because obviously they feel we have a shot. Add Kyle to that mix and we're even better.''
And the Bruins seems prepared to play hardball with McLaren, forcing him to return, whether he wants to or not.
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It sometimes seems rare to find an NCAA rule that actually makes sense.
The provision that allowed Harvard senior Brett Nowak to take part in rookie camp the last four days, however, is a good rule in many ways. Draftees can work out with their NHL teams before the college year begins as long as the player pays his own way and is not compensated.
The 6-foot-2 Nowak, who had 14-17-31 totals in 33 games as a junior with the Crimson, looked good skating with the rookies and is regarded by the club as a fine prospect.
``I think it was a very good experience with him,'' said O'Connell. ``We were fortunate to have him here this week. It worked out with their schedule that they started a little bit later.
``I think it's been a very beneficial experience for him to find out where he stacks up. I thought he looked very good.'' . . .
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Representatives for free agent goaltender Byron Dafoe met last week with the Atlanta Thrashers, who yesterday re-signed No. 1 goalie Milan Hnilicka to a two-year, $2.7 million contract.
According to one source close to the former Bruins goaltender, ``there is interest,'' from the Thrashers. But Dafoe, who continues to work out on his own at a rink north of Boston, will likely remain patient as he looks for the right deal. He knows it may take a while.
``Probably until games start getting played and a lot of pucks start hitting the back of nets,'' said the source.
O'Connell expressed no interest in re-signing Dafoe, unless, ``it's a deal that we cannot refuse.''
Meaning: Unless Dafoe comes begging and takes a pay cut.
Thursday, September 12, 2002
WILMINGTON - General manager Mike O'Connell held a meeting with the Bruins' pro scouts and other members of his staff to compile a list of players the team would be willing to take in exchange for Kyle McLaren.
The list will not be terribly long.
McLaren, who has demanded a trade and vowed not to re-sign with the B's, made his no-show official last night. The defenseman was absent when the veterans reported to camp at Ristuccia Arena in preparation for this morning's opening practice.
``We're going to put together a list of players who we'd consider trading Kyle for,'' said O'Connell. ``I can tell you right now, it's going to be a very short list - and the list probably contains names that other teams are not going to want to give up. If we're going to lose a defenseman of Kyle's caliber, if he's not going to show up, we have to get an equivalent player from another team. That's almost impossible.
``I'm not posturing here, this is just the way it is. We know what we have in Kyle. We think he's going to be a terrific player for us. And then you look at what we have to get for him - a physical player, with good size and youth, whether it's a forward or a defenseman - it's going to be difficult.''
O'Connell acknowledged that a serious injury, a sub-par showing by a key player and/or a rotten start by the team could make the B's more inclined to deal McLaren. But for now, it's doubtful the 25-year-old, seven-year veteran is going anywhere.
``As I've said all along we want him on our team. That hasn't changed,'' said O'Connell. ``Hopefully he'll have a change of heart. Our top players have come back in phenominal shape. They've worked hard this summer because obviously they feel we have a shot. Add Kyle to that mix and we're even better.''
And the Bruins seems prepared to play hardball with McLaren, forcing him to return, whether he wants to or not.
=====
It sometimes seems rare to find an NCAA rule that actually makes sense.
The provision that allowed Harvard senior Brett Nowak to take part in rookie camp the last four days, however, is a good rule in many ways. Draftees can work out with their NHL teams before the college year begins as long as the player pays his own way and is not compensated.
The 6-foot-2 Nowak, who had 14-17-31 totals in 33 games as a junior with the Crimson, looked good skating with the rookies and is regarded by the club as a fine prospect.
``I think it was a very good experience with him,'' said O'Connell. ``We were fortunate to have him here this week. It worked out with their schedule that they started a little bit later.
``I think it's been a very beneficial experience for him to find out where he stacks up. I thought he looked very good.'' . . .
=====
Representatives for free agent goaltender Byron Dafoe met last week with the Atlanta Thrashers, who yesterday re-signed No. 1 goalie Milan Hnilicka to a two-year, $2.7 million contract.
According to one source close to the former Bruins goaltender, ``there is interest,'' from the Thrashers. But Dafoe, who continues to work out on his own at a rink north of Boston, will likely remain patient as he looks for the right deal. He knows it may take a while.
``Probably until games start getting played and a lot of pucks start hitting the back of nets,'' said the source.
O'Connell expressed no interest in re-signing Dafoe, unless, ``it's a deal that we cannot refuse.''
Meaning: Unless Dafoe comes begging and takes a pay cut.
