NHL Rumors: How will the Bruins replace Zdeno Chara, the Blackhawks replace Jonathan Toews, and Blues sign Vince Dunn
Anthony Scultore
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Two of the biggest franchises in the NHL had some big questions going into to this season.
The Bruins were already dealing with injuries to David Pastrnak and Brad Marchand, now need to replace Zdeno Chara. The Blackhawks announced a rebuild but lost Kirby Dach for five months. Then they were dealt another blow with Jonathan Toews out with an illness.
Both teams have to figure out what to do without two longtime staples to their lineups.
NHL Rumors: Replacing Zdeno Chara
The good news for the Boston Bruins is that it was their decision to move on from Chara and thus were already working on a plan to replace him.
They lost out on signing Mike Hoffman to supplement their losses of both Pastrnak and Marchand, but can use that money to possibly sign a player like Sami Vatanen. Boston was also rumored to be looking at signing UFA defenseman Ben Hutton.
Cam Neely also hinted that aside from exploring the trade market he was looking at giving his younger players a chance. That was acknowledged by Zdeno Chara in his goodbye message to the Bruins fans.
“Recently, the Boston Bruins informed me that they plan to move forward with their many younger talented players and I respect their decision,” Chara wrote. “Unfortunately, my time as the proud Captain of the Bruins has come to an end.”
As of now, it looks like the Bruins have plenty of options.
NHL Rumors: Replacing Jonathan Toews
Let’s face it Blackhawks fans, replacing Jonathan Toews is not going to happen. However, the Hawks do need to address not only his loss, but that of Kirby Dach. As of right now it looks like 35 year-old Carl Soderberg is the number one pivot and that just isn’t going to work.
One of the bigger issues for the Hawks is not knowing how long Toews will be out. He is dealing with something that is causing chronic fatigue which is scary to say the least. Hockey aside, we wish Toews a speedy recovery.
While the Blackhawks could try to give some young players a chance, they should look to make a trade that makes sense for the future. There just so happens to be a player that fits.
Jack Roslovic is 23 year-old RFA that’s not happy with the way the Winnipeg Jets have been utilizing him. He was a first round pick back in 2015 and saw career highs with 12 goals and 29 points playing primarily as a third liner.
According to Luke Fox, he was being shopped around this offseason with the Jets looking for a defenseman. Maybe the Blackhawks can seize an opportunity here and work out something for a young center looking for a new beginning.
St. Louis Blues sign Vince Dunn
Promising young d-man, Vince Dunn has agreed to a one-year deal with the St. Louis Blues. The contract has an AAV of $1.875 million.