Unpopular GM Mike O'Connell did not win back many fans when he said Bruins' captain Jason Allison -- and his expensive price tag -- would be traded away. While Boston signed free agents Martin Lapointe and Sean O'Donnell to big money deals, the Bruins' administration refuses to meet Allison's request for a $7 million per year contract. The knock on Boston's ownership over the years has been its reluctancy to spend money, and ESPN.com users agree that little has changed during this offseason.
Here are your thoughts on what the Bruins need for next season:
Penny pinching will continue in Beantown
I thought that they stunk in 2000-01, and I think that nothing will change in 2001-02. Why? Because of the combination of Jeremy Jacobs' penny-pinching ways, and dumb and dumber (Harry Sinden and Mike O'Connell) up in their ivory tower on Causeway St. This team will never contend for the Cup as long as Jacobs owns the team because he likes things just the way they are -- small payroll, lots of profits.
Barry
Leominster, Mass.
Bruins should learn from success of Avs, Pens
This is typical of the Bruins -- no commitment to winning. Hey boys, pay Jason Allison what he is worth. Let's get the Cup back to Boston so we don't have to cheer for teams like Colorado during the playoffs and the former Bruins who go there to play. Colorado pays, they win. Pittsburgh pays, they win. If you want your fans to come to the games and be happy, put a team with a real chance of winning on the ice.
Craig
Boston
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After 20 years of failing to surround Ray Bourque with the talent necessary to compete for the Cup, they continue to insult our intelligence. ” |
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— Joe, Atkinson, N. H. |
Empty seats may prompt action
If Jeremy Jacobs does not start to spend money on the team, the attendance will continue to decrease. Jacobs' inability to realize that you need a product on the ice to sell seats is going to hurt him eventually because Boston fans are not stupid fans. If Boston fans don't like the product, they will not go to see you. What the Bruins do not need is an owner (like Jacobs) who is out to make money off of the concessions. They need an owner who is a local and a fan. A once proud hockey town might soon be forced to wear paper bags over their heads like L.A. Clippers' fans did.
Robert
Waltham, Mass.
Jacobs cannot hide cheap ways forever
Mike O'Connell states that all of the top players get paid market value because they have won Stanley Cups and Conn Smythe trophies. Until the Bruins decide to pay their top players, they will never win a Stanley Cup, let alone make the playoffs. And the fan base is starting to realize that now. That is why the organization had all of those yellow seats painted black, so it would appear to those watching on television that people actually go to the games.
Pat
Wollaston, Mass.
Management should learn from Bourque case
I was hoping that Ray Bourque waving the cup under Jeremy Jacobs', Harry Sinden's, and Mike O'Connell's noses would give them something extra to put together a contending team. I had my hopes up with them paying Martin Lapointe $5 million/year. But now they can't afford to pay the fourth highest scorer in the league. You can't just go out and turn over any rock and find a player like Jason Allison. Please guys, pay them. I'm getting tired of this year after year. Maybe I will hold out this year -- tickets are very expensive. I think I'll just go to the game where they retire Bourque's number.
Pete
Abington, Mass.
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Say a prayer for us Beantown fans that Mr. Jacobs doesn't succeed in buying the BoSox. If he succeeds, they'll be cheering 1918 well into the 22nd century. ” |
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— Brian, New York |
Jacobs' ways are insulting
The Bruins continue to bleed their fans. After 20 years of failing to surround Ray Bourque with the talent necessary to compete for the Cup, they continue to insult our intelligence. While Harry Sinden will point to the bloated payroll of the New York Rangers, he chooses to ignore the success of Colorado, Detroit and Dallas when it comes to spending money on talent. The Bruins allowed the majority of their 1999 draft picks to reenter without signing them to deals. Now they overpay Martin Lapointe and won't sign Jason Allison to anything resembling a fair contract. When will it end? When Jeremy Jacobs sells the team to someone who wants to sell a hockey product -- as opposed to hot dogs!
Joe
Atkinson, N.H.
Advice for Allison: Book it out of Boston
It's disgusting the way the Bruins have treated their core veteran players who have proven themselves over the years. Jason Allison is the captain of the team, he plays hard, he is great in the locker room and wants market value. Jason, do yourself a favor and force a trade to a team that recognizes your accomplishments on and off the ice. That way you will no longer have to deal with with Jeremy Jacobs' cheap antics. Needless to say you'll be sorely missed in Boston, but everyone will be happy for you to get out of this sad, sad hockey town. Say a prayer for us Beantown fans that Mr. Jacobs doesn't succeed in buying the BoSox. If he succeeds, they'll be cheering 1918 well into the 22nd century.
Brian
New York
A hint of optimism
The Bruins didn't make the playoffs last year because of holdouts and injuries, so if they can start the season with everyone in the lineup, they'll make the playoffs and maybe even steal a round or two. The signing of Martin Lapointe helps their chances, but only if they can resign Jason Allison and Bill Guerin. However, if they end up trading Allison, they will take a step back because Martin Lapointe will never be able to fill his role. So, ultimately, I think whether the Bruins make the playoffs this coming season is totally in Mike O'Connell's hands now.
Connie
Somerville, Mass.
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Please guys, pay them. I'm getting tired of this year after year. Maybe I will hold out this year -- tickets are very expensive. ” |
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— Pete, Abington, Mass. |
Bruins must spend to succeed
For years, the Bruins have opted for this blue collar defensive environment where everything revolves around forechecking and positional play. Well, that wins championships if you have a few front-line forwards. Unfortunately, the current ownership -- which is not even local -- does not want to spend the money to get over the hump. I think that Jason Allison and Kyle McClaren are calling the Bruins' bluff to see how serious they are about having a contending team. We all know which teams spend the money and are successful. We also know the Bruins' hierarchy doesn't seem to be committed to pay the money needed to make a run. Good for Jason and Kyle. They want to win and be appreciated for their talents.
Steven
Longmeadow, Mass.
Bruins need more than Allison next year
The Bruins need several things to be competitive: goaltending, a playmaking defenseman and depth at the forward positions. By adding Martin Lapointe and Sean O'Donnell, the B's have added some grit and toughness. Lapointe is the second power forward (after Bill Guerin) who Boston has lacked. But they still need a solid backup goaltender for Byron Dafoe. Bob Essensa would be a good choice. Most critical is a No. 1 center. Jason Allison is the first line center and without him, teams will focus on shutting down Joe Thornton. So the Bruins either need to keep Allison or trade for a skilled, playmaking center. A trade for Patrick Marleau of San Jose might not be a bad idea, especially if Boston can get some draft picks or exchange Kyle McLaren for Brad Stuart. The Bruins' success this season will depend on their offseason moves to add personnel for the goaltending, defense and center positions. With some upgrades in these areas, Boston should be a playoff team with the ability to get beyond the first round.
Chris
Bolton, Mass.
