This is fascinating.

Boston would now have five viable centers on their roster:

Peverley, Seguin, Bergereon, Krejci, and Kelly

Posted by Leo_Racicot on 02/18/11 at 04:23 PM ET

Good for Atlanta too.  Valabik became an afterthought there.

Posted by Russian Rocket on 02/18/11 at 04:27 PM ET

Have to think that the B’s are moving one of Bergeron or Krejci next. 

That’s not a sustainable roster for now or the long term, perhaps Burke will send his #1 picks from 2012-15 for Krejci.

Posted by Leo_Racicot on 02/18/11 at 04:31 PM ET

Also, Gregory Campbell is a Center.

Posted by Steve Strowbridge from St. John's, NL, CA on 02/18/11 at 04:33 PM ET

I really don’t think Bergeron is going to be moved. Krejci, to me, also seems like a long shot.

Posted by Steve Strowbridge from St. John's, NL, CA on 02/18/11 at 04:34 PM ET

Posted by Steve Strowbridge from St. John’s, NL, CA on 02/18/11 at 01:33 PM ET

Good call.

Any idea what/who else Chirelli could be targetting?  I’m not completely dialed into their situation, would Rask be a possible piece given the rebirth of Timmy T?

Posted by Leo_Racicot on 02/18/11 at 04:35 PM ET

I hope not. I was really glad to see Rask get some goal support last night in a win against an Islanders team that has been putting up goals against everyone. I think the plan right now is to give Rask a few more starts down the stretch to make sure Thomas is not too tired going into the playoffs. But, I don’t know anything for sure.

Posted by Steve Strowbridge from St. John's, NL, CA on 02/18/11 at 04:39 PM ET

Seems odd to me too that Boston would be traidng a young up-and-coming winger in Wheeler for Peverly, when they already have plenty of responsible centers that can score at a decent, but not great, clip.  Unless, like was mentioned, Krejci is going to be a part of the Kaberle deal.

Posted by John W. from a bubble wrap cocoon on 02/18/11 at 04:39 PM ET

Also interesting to note Valabik has to clear re-entry waivers.  So he could potentially be claimed by some other team.

Posted by Russian Rocket on 02/18/11 at 04:45 PM ET

Done

Posted by SnLO from the sub-great white north on 02/18/11 at 04:45 PM ET

Posted by Steve Strowbridge from St. John’s, NL, CA on 02/18/11 at 01:39 PM ET

Good stuff, thanks.

Can’t get over the notion that between the Kelly and Peverley moves, something else has to be brewing.  I do really like that roster now that Kaberle has arrived, seems like the B’s are in a solid position to do some damage this spring.

Posted by Leo_Racicot on 02/18/11 at 04:53 PM ET

I can’t see Boston doing much more… they have a really good team right now, not sure why they would want to move too much.

Posted by gretzky_to_lemieux on 02/18/11 at 05:05 PM ET

Posted by gretzky_to_lemieux on 02/18/11 at 02:05 PM ET

Indeed, that may very well be the case.

They have five centers Kelly, Peverley, Krejci, Bergeron and Seguin all under contract through the end of next season.  Ryder, Marchand and Recchi are the only players on the entire roster that comes off the books this summer. 

All of this while carrying Savard’s bags while his unfortunate retirement is looming.  Impressive.

Posted by Leo_Racicot on 02/18/11 at 05:18 PM ET

Oh dear lord.

Valabik and Chara?  On the same blueline?  People forget what a MONSTER Valabik is.  He’s not Chara, and yes he’s 2 inches shorter and 10 lbs lighter.  But… he’s still 6’7”, 245 lbs.

Valabik is underrated IMHO and I’m not sure why ATL: never gave him more of a shot.  You can’t coach or teach size like that, after all… and look at how long it took Chara to bloom.

Posted by Primis on 02/18/11 at 06:22 PM ET

Primis, I know it’ll never happen but I might shudder if the Bruins trade for either Pekka Rinne (6’5”) or Anders Lindback (6’6”) from the Preds.

Posted by SYF from the Flood on 02/18/11 at 07:13 PM ET