from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

The Bruins’ consistency (seven straight playoff appearances during Julien’s time) underscores that there are different team-building methods. Seidenberg, Campbell, Bartkowski, Kelly, Tuukka Rask, Loui Eriksson, Daniel Paille, Johnny Boychuk, and Adam McQuaid arrived in trades. They prove Chiarelli knows what he’s doing when making deals.

But drafting and developing is the most cost-effective manner in which to assemble a roster. You don’t need to trade assets for desired players. You don’t need to compete with other teams and overspend for a free agent.

Consider Chicago’s track record. Of the 20 players in uniform for Game 6 last year, 11 came through the draft, including their star players: Jonathan Toews, Patrick Kane, Duncan Keith, Brent Seabrook, and Corey Crawford.

The drafting exception is one reason the Bruins replaced director of amateur scouting Wayne Smith with Keith Gretzky. They recognized their identification of future Bruins did not meet their other organizational standards.

The concern is not now or next season. The worries begin after 2014-15. By then, Chara will be 38 years old, most likely ready to cede some of his strongman shifts. Krejci, Boychuk, McQuaid, Paille, and Campbell will be eligible for free agency. Krejci is a lock to be re-signed. The fate of the others depends, in part, on whether the Bruins’ next wave will be ready for NHL employment.

more