Bruins hit jackpot in Wideman trade

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

I don't know how Chiarelli did it, but he actually got another team to take Dennis Wideman. Not only was he able to get rid of one of the worst defenseman in the NHL, but he was able to get amazing value in return. Nathan Horton, the 3rd overall pick in the 2003 draft, has scored at least 20 goals each of the past 5 seasons, and scored 31 in 2007. He had 57 points in 65 games last season. By the way, that would have lead the Bruins in points!

While some people may say Horton has been an underachiever thus far in his career, I am not worried about his production at all. In 6 seasons, he's played for five different coaches and has been a part of a terrible organization. He's also a great fit for the Boston Bruins. He's big, powerful and can score. That's exactly the type of player the B's need right now. I am going to go on the record and say he scores 35 goals next season.

In addition to Horton, the Bruins also received 4th line forward Gregory Campbell. Campbell, son of NHL disciplinarian Colin Campbell, may not even suit up for the Bruins as he is a pending free agent this off season. The sticking point for Bruins fans may be the addition of their other fist round pick, 15th overall, in the 2010 draft. I have absolutely no problem with them using this as part of the package, and here's why. It's very rare a mid first round pick will make an immediate impact in his first two seasons. I know it's a small sample size, but look at Zach Hamil. Hamil was drafted 8th overall by the Bruins in the 2007 draft. In his first two pro seasons, he played a grand total 1 game. There is no guarantee the young 21 year old center will make the team this year with the depth at the position. The Bruins were able to get a proven goal scoring Right Winger who is under contract for the next three seasons. That is a much better use of the #15 pick in the draft.

Make sure to check back to the site for all of your Boston Bruins off season and draft news and analysis. It looks like it's going to be a busy few days leading up to the draft. There are a ton of rumors flying around, and it would be ideal if they could also unload Tim Thomas.

Are you ready for the NHL Draft?

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Well, it's almost here. Yes, I'm talking about the NHL draft. In case you didn't notice, the draft takes place this Friday night at the Staples Center in LA. Sorry Celtics fans. As of right now I haven't seen, read, or heard of a mock draft that doesn't have the Edmonton Oilers selecting Taylor Hall first overall. That means the Bruins are "stuck" with talented center Tyler Seguin. I have no doubt Seguin is going to be a franchise player, but personally I will feel disappointed without Taylor Hall.

Why? The Bruins don't need another center. What they need is a top notch goal scorer that plays the wing. I feel like the Bruins are left with no choice but to trade Savard or Bergeron. There are rumors that include Savard in a package being sent to Columbus in return for the 4th overall pick. I'd have no problem with this if it were true, but from what I've heard it isn't. I'd love to leave the draft with Seguin and Cam Fowler, a solid young defender being compared to Brian Leetch. I just don't see it happening. I guess what you have to do is understand that no matter what, the Boston Bruins are going to get a game changing player they can insert into the lineup from day one.

What do you think? Am I crazy?

# 2 pick is perfect for the Bruins

By Jim Ingram

Fan Fanatic Sports Staff

Okay, picture this. It's Tuesday night, 8 pm, and the twins just went down to sleep. I park my but on the couch and tune into the Versus Network to watch the NHL Draft Lottery be unveiled. As I'm sitting there, I had this lump in my gut that the Bruins were destined to be stuck with the 3rd overall pick in the 2010 NHL draft. To my surprise, and great relief, the Bruins were awarded with the 2nd pick, and I was ecstatic. Yes, the Phil Kessel trade has finally started to pay off.

Contrary to most people, I am happy the Bruins got the 2nd pick and not the first overall. I know it's typically better to have the first pick and be able to make your choice between Taylor Hall and Tyler Seguin. I guess I'm more of a pessimist and realist. Given some of the choices, and signings, Peter Chiarelli has made the past year and a half, I am more than happy to have the choice between these two franchise players removed from the situation. All the Bruins Organization has to do now is wait and see who falls to them.

Personally, I'd love to see the Bruins get Taylor Hall because he's a forward, and not a center like Seguin. Realistically, either player is going to make a huge impact next season and be the next face of the organization. I guess we'll just have to wait until June. Unlike the other teams in the top 5 of the draft, Bruins fans still have playoff hockey to enjoy.