Kukla's Korner Hockey

Kukla's Korner Hockey

The Bruins Want Jarome Iginla Back

06/24/2014 at 8:19am EDT

from Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe,

Jarome Iginla, the 11th overall pick in 1995, was an excellent fit on the first line last season. Iginla had 30 goals and 31 assists in 78 games while playing alongside Milan Lucic and David Krejci. The Bruins do not want to see Iginla walk.

But they may have no choice. They are already facing a bonus overage penalty, estimated to be around $4.5 million, for 2014-15. With the salary cap projected to be approximately $70 million, the Bruins will be forbidden from approaching the ceiling because of their penalty, the bulk of which stems from the $3.7 million in bonuses Iginla totaled as a first-year Bruin.

So while Iginla deserves a multiyear deal, it would be difficult for him to get it in Boston. The Bruins could offer Iginla a similar bonus-stuffed contract as a 35-or-older player. But such structure is allowed only on one-year deals....

“We’d like to sign Jarome,” GM Peter Chiarelli said during a conference call Monday. “He’s been a valuable player for us. It’s a good fit. We’d like to sign him.”...

Or Chiarelli would have to talk trade. Johnny Boychuk would bring the biggest return. The right-shot defenseman is under contract for one more season at $3,336,667. Boychuk will be due a big raise after 2014-15, one the Bruins won’t be able to afford. The hard-hitting and durable Boychuk would be a good target for a team seeking muscle and experience in its top-four group.

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Paul Kukla founded Kukla’s Korner in 2005 and the site has since become the must-read site on the ‘net for all the latest happenings around the NHL.

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