The Boston Bruins have decided to move one of their eight NHL defenders,
shipping Adam McQuaid to the New York Rangers in exchange for defender Steven
Kampfer, a 2019 fourth-round pick and a conditional seventh-round selection.
The move comes as a bit of a surprise on the first day of Bruins camp. McQuaid
has been with the B';s since the 2009-10 season when he suited up for 19 games.

He won a Stanley Cup in 2011 with Boston and was a key part of the 2013 team
that advanced to the Cup Final before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks. McQuaid
 was a cult hero in Boston, becoming a fan favorite thanks to his physical
style, willingness to fight and his blue-collar mentality. He fit right in with
 this hard-working city. He';s also a great guy and very easy to root for.
He';ll be missed.

That said, hockey is a business and the right business move here was to deal
the veteran.Benefits of the McQuaid Trade

In the cap era, trades have taken on new meaning. Teams often deal players for
spare parts and future assets in order to shed salary. In part, that';s what
happened with McQuaid. The Bruins are now off the hook for the final year of
his contract, worth $2.75 million per season and $2.1 million in increased cap
space for the B';s for the upcoming season. Boston now has $5,059,333 to work
with moving forward.Detroit Red Wings center Dylan Larkin (71) and Florida
Panthers defenseman Steven Kampfer (3) battle for the puck in the first period
at Joe Louis Arena. Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

The Bruins could use that space too. The club has forwards Lee Stempniak and
Daniel Winnik in training camp and both could earn contracts between now and
opening night. Not only that, but Boston could be in the market for a winger if
 some of the young players don';t step up. I don';t think that management is
thrilled with its current group after losing Rick Nash this summer. Speaking of
 Nash, don';t forget about the unsigned UFA. If he decides to return to the NHL
 this season, the Bruins should be near the top of his list.

The Bruins have opened up some cap space here and will enter training camp with
 enough flexibility to become a factor should a player shake free. It will also
 make in-season transactions much easier for Bruins general manager Don
Sweeney.

He';s no All-Star, but Kampfer isn';t a bad player. He';s making just $650,000
per season and can be stashed in the AHL at no cost to the club. That';s
probably what will happen as the Bruins have seven defenders and 14 forwards
for opening night now. Kampfer will provide veteran leadership in Providence,
one of the best teams in the American League. He is also a solid depth option
and would provide the big league Bruins with a decent call-up should injuries
hit.Impact on Bruins'; Camp

Mark Fayne has life now, folks. With McQuaid out of the picture, the Bruins
lose some of the depth that I believe is so valuable. Although Kampfer will
help in this regard, the Bruins would benefit from adding another veteran. I
think Fayne is a fine option and would come cheap. Not only that but I';m
fairly certain management could stash him in Providence if need be and allow
him to play a similar role to Paul Postma';s a year ago.Edmonton Oilers goalie
Ben Scrivens (30) keeps an eye on the puck with Columbus Blue Jackets left
winger Nick Foligno (71) and Oiler defenceman Mark Fayne (5) looking on.
(Credit: Walter Tychnowicz- USA TODAY Sports)

Earlier this month, I predicted the Bruins'; roster as part of my training camp
 preview. Here are the line combinations I came up withavid Pastrnak -
Patrice Bergeron - Brad Marchand

Jake DeBrusk - David Krejci - Danton Heinen

Andres Bjork - Ryan Donato - David Backes

Sean Kuraly - Joakim Nordstrom - Chris Wagner

Noel AcciariZdeno Chara - Charlie McAvoy

Torey Krug - Brandon Carlo

John Moore - Kevan Miller

Adam McQuaid and Matt GrzelcykTuukka Rask

Jaroslav Halak

Without McQuaid, the Bruins'; defense looks like this: Chara, McAvoy, Krug,
Carlo, Moore, Miller and Grzelcyk. Fayne will have an outside chance of making
the team, while Kampfer probably gets a look as well. With only seven defenders
 likely making the team, that opens up a 14th forward spot. Winnik and
Stempniak both could land that role or someone like Jakob Forsbacka-Karlsson
could emerge from the P-Bruins.

The McQuaid trade has changed the complexion of the team';s roster and the
pending training camp battles. New players now have an opportunity and the team
 has the flexibility to find a player in the market. A popular player might be
gone but I think the Bruins won the day today.

The post Bruins Change Roster Complexion With McQuaid Trade appeared first on
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