Trouble Bruin

Boston Bruins Update

The Boston Bruins have placed Right Wing Glen Murray on waivers. Murray, 35, played in only 63 games last season amassing 17 goals and 13 assists. Murray hasn't played 80 games or more since 2003-2004 and hasn't passed the 50 point mark since 2005-2006, when he had 24 goals and 29 assists in only 63 games. One wonders what Murray would still be capable of were he to somehow get healthy and motivated. The Bruins no longer have to wonder.

This move, assuming someone elects to take Murray off of waivers and/or the Bruins elect not to bring him back to the big club this year, seems to signal a changing of the guard of sorts. Kessel should still be the number one RW in Boston, but Ryder is now virtually guaranteed time on Line 2 which should be centered by Patrice Bergeron. Bergeron, for the record, has apparently been symptom free all summer and is chomping at the bit to return after missing most of last season as a result of a concussion. He was the highest profile victim of Philadelphia's "Kill first get Jersey Numbers Later" strategy last season.

A healthy Bergeron or Savard centering Ryder changes my outlook. A return to the high 50's low 60's is not out of the question for Ryder with a position on the top two lines secured.

This move also seems to signal Blake Wheeler's arrival with the big club. I still say hold off though. Whoops has got wheels but until I see his skills translate at the NHL level I'll remain skeptical. Again... his nickname is Whoops... that can't be good.