Pacioretty and Nichushkin, a perfect fit

We knew coming to this half season that the management had to do some change. First and foremost, Gm Prach made a major mistake by not taking in consideration the cap situation…That mistake brought to the team center Mike Richards for the sacrifice of younger players and picks. ¨Not saying we were looking to add Mike but he will fit well this year and help us raise the cap. We still believe he have good hockey in him.¨

Not long after the Richards trade, the city of Boston woke up with two new young and extremely talented snipers. Max Pacioretty and Valeri Nichushkin are not simply going to help this team now but will both be part of the main core of this organization.  The Gm has been clear about this core, no sacrifice, and builds around and for them.

¨With those two, I feel we could have a respectable one-two punch in a very near future.   I also feel that we keep our plan intact, none of the boys that we build around have been move and we were able to bring those two great players. Pacioretty and Nichushkin are a perfect fit in our team. After the inaugural draft, there were 3 guys I missed and wanted badly. Two of them were Pacioretty and Nichushkin. So am I happy? Yes and I’m extremely proud to add them in our family! ¨

Nichushkin: high risk, high value

¨ He's a bull. A massive frame, with really good skating and speed, plus a boatload of skill with talent and a great laser shot. Those combination put together is something that I like a lot, he could become a dangerous sniper for us.  We felt we needed a young explosive winger to fit with Galchenyuk or Strome for the next decade.  I know the risk we’re taking but I’m definitely willing to take it.   ¨

Pacioretty, the natural leader

¨ Max is a guy you can count on, at least a 30 goals scorer every year and a natural leader. He’s not a typical power forward that crash, sit in front of the net, he’s more a sniper that can use his frame and speed when it’s time. His ability off the ice is something extremely valuable for our young organisation. Personally, he’s one of my favorite players so it was natural to go after him. Some believe we paid too much, I respect that and maybe they are right, but I’m very comfortable with this decision. ¨