INSIDE HOCKEY

Today, Bruins’ General Manager Peter Chiarelli held a pre Free Agency conference call for media members. Per usual, Chiarelli would not comment on specific negotiations, but he did outline his philosophy for the upcoming Free Agency period slated to begin July 1st at noon. From the beginning of his tenure leading the Bruins, Chiarelli has stressed the importance of size. However, in the call, Chiarelli claimed it is important to keep the team balanced and not sacrifice too much speed for size or vice versa.

Chiarelli does not plan on being an impact player in this year’s period. This is to be expected, however, with the Bruins' current lineup and cap situation, especially when considering the fact that restricted free agents Phil Kessel, Byron Bitz, and Matt Hunwick all remain unsigned. With regards to Kessel, specifically, Chiarelli reiterated his stance that he would match any offer made to Kessel. Moreover, Chiarelli also claimed that he could sign all of his RFA’s tonight if he wanted to, but prefers to wait and let the market develop.

In terms of the Bruins’ unrestricted free agents such as veterans P.J Axelsson and Stephane Yelle, Chiarelli stuck by his philosophy of letting the market develop. He did mention, however, that despite younger players such as Vladimir Sobotka on the verge of making the NHL squad, there is value in having veteran leaders such as Axelsson and Yelle in the lineup.

So, for Bruins fans out there, what does this all mean? Can we expect Kessel, Bitz and Hunwick in the lineup next year? Should we be waiting for a new impact player to join the squad? Based on Chiarelli’s past free agent history and fears of a declining cap in 2010-2011, do not expect the Bruins to sacrifice depth to make a big splash signing. You may want to hold off on preordering your Marian Gaborik or Jay Bouwmeester Bruins T-shirts.

That said, however, Chiarelli is willing to risk entering the market with valuable restricted free agents available. A team just may offer Phil Kessel over $4,520,150, and it seems Chiarelli is willing to take the risk of losing him to a high offer and take the 1st, 2nd and 3rd round compensatory picks instead. Nonetheless, the fact is many teams must be cautious with a potential declining cap in 2010-2011, so any RFA offer for Kessel should be in a price range where Chiarelli, as he has claimed, would match.

While teams with lots of cap room may move quickly in the free agent frenzy tomorrow, the Bruins probably will not be one. Bruins fans have much to watch out for, however, as Chiarelli is taking a big risk entering the free agency period without important RFA’s ,specifically Kessel and Hunwick (slated to be a top 6 defenseman on the Bruins next year) signed. That said, when training camp begins in September, expect a lineup extremely similar to last season’s with Kessel skating on the RW, Hunwick on defense, Bitz wreaking havoc on the 4th line, Sobotka finally with the big club while aging veterans Axelsson and Yelle skate elsewhere.

Other Notes From Today’s Call

• Chiarelli reiterated his confidence in his defensive corps and belief that having Hunwick and/or Ference at full health against Carolina would have resulted in a very different series.
• Chiarelli confirmed that Tim Thomas and Kessel have been invited to team USA’s Olympic orientation, and expects other Bruins to be joining Olympic squads.
• Lost forward Peter Schaeffer has cleared waivers leaving Chiarelli and co. with the decision of whether or not they will buy him out. If bought out, Schaeffer would count for around 566,000 against the cap for the next two years. Chiarelli does not expect this number to be a large obstacle in terms of signing other players.
• Although he would not completely reject the idea of signing a veteran goalie to back up Tim Thomas, Chiarelli believes that super-prospect Tuukka Rask has played his way into that role.