The Boston Bruins have been making several splashes so far this offseason. For the most part, the headlines have come internally.
Tuukka Rask and Patrice Bergeron have been signed to long-term deals, each for eight years. Milan Lucic, Brad Marchand and Bergeron have been invited to the Canadian National Team orientation for the 2014 Winter Olympics. Claude Julien has been named the associate coach for that very same national team. Also, the departure of key players like Nathan Horton, Andrew Ference, Tyler Seguin, and Rich Peverley have left some fans demoralized.
Let's just take a minute and look at the bigger picture. The Bruins actually picked up some great pieces to add to this roster. Specifically, Jarome Iginla and Loui Eriksson will provide an even swap at worst when it comes to the loss of their forwards.
Iginla, who had spent most of his career with the Calgary Flames, chose to go to the Pittsburgh Penguins at last year's trade deadline in what has become legendary fashion. He is still an elite goal scorer in this league. He has posted over 500 goals and 1,000 points. He had previously served as the Flames captain for nine seasons as well as the alternate captain for the Canadian National Team.
Although he still packs a scoring touch, he will not hesitate to drop the gloves and stick up for his teammates. How could you not want a player like that on your team? For those fans who are still bitter about Iginla choosing the Penguins over the Bruins, get over it. He is a Bruin now.
As for Eriksson, he is a solid, two-way player who can skate very well. The Swedish forward has recorded 150 goals during his NHL career. You could not ask for a better player to skate on the second line with Bergeron and Marchand.
It looks like the Bruins have their roster pretty much set for training camp. The third-line winger position is still open and it looks like upper management will allow one of their young prospects compete for the job.
With the defense and goaltending situation all set, the Bruins seem to be in pretty decent shape, barring any injuries.
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