Flavin Media

Move made: The Bruins sign Swayman to an 8-year, $66 million extension, carrying an $8.25 million annual cap hit

Alternative: The Bruins sign Vladimir Tarasenko (4.75m AAV) and Anthony Duclair (3.5m AAV)

I get it — hindsight is always 20/20 — but this series should give us perspective on the GM, the team’s model, and the deficiencies we’re currently dealing with. It’s too early to say anything definitive about Swayman’s performance, 100%, but it’s clear that the team’s offensive unit should have been the bigger priority.

Alternative lines:

Zacha – Poitras – Pastrnak

Marchand – Lindholm – Tarasenko

Duclair – Coyle – Frederic

Koepke – Beecher – Brazeau

I’m not going to write about a decision that wouldn’t have been realistic in the moment — this all could have been thought through. Talk to Ullmark about the managerial perspective of his previously potential trade, how you were only fearful of taxed players like Marchand needing forward help, and get him to commit to finishing out the contract with the understanding that you’ll sign forwards.

Tarasenko and Duclair would have added much-needed agility, skill, and winning pedigree to these offensive pairings, while also freeing up the established forwards to play alongside their personal preferences.

We came into the season knowing Poitras needed minutes in a high-line situation, and we already knew about the chemistry between Zacha and Pastrnak. That would have culminated not only in a strong showing from Zacha and Pastrnak, but also—based on the new chemistry we saw between Poitras and Pastrnak—a solidified top line.

Sweeney knew Marchand was dealing with injuries, and obviously Marchand knew that too, so you work out a critical second-line role for him. Frederic’s limitations in an ideal offensive scheme aren’t talked about enough, and Coyle is the only one who consistently brings more out of him.

This would push Geekie into a potential fourth-line role, and after the season he had, you should have capitalized on his value in a trade. Move forward with Koepke and get Brazeau into a great fourth-line bruising role.

These lines would suit Montgomery’s coaching style far better, and you’d be moving forward with Ullmark—plus enough spare cap space to secure a reliable backup.