BHN Puck Links: Boston Bruins Keep Looking For Defensemen

The Boston Bruins continue to leave no stone unturned when it comes to their search for a left shot veteran defenseman not named Zdeno Chara.

Should acquiring players on long-term injury reserve still be allowed?

Don’t look now Boston Bruins fans but the Montreal Canadiens will enter the season as arguably the most improved and balanced team in the NHL.

Speaking of improving, are the ‘hungry’ Buffalo Sabres ready to finally challenge for a playoff spot in the East Division?

That and more in the latest Boston Hockey Now Puck Links!

The Boston Bruins have chosen their words carefully when it comes to the delicate contract situation with their longtime captain Zdeno Chara but they also haven’t been shy about the fact they’re in hot pursuit of a left-shot defenseman. My partner in crime at BHN, Joe Haggerty, reported Monday that the Bruins were taking a long look at UFA defenseman Ben Hutton. More on that and two other free agent targets that the Bruins are looking at for left-side depth. (Boston Hockey Now) 

How will the Boston Bruins forward group look this year? Haggs takes a closer look in the second of his five-piece series, ‘Back To The Bruins’. (Boston Hockey Now)

According to multiple sources, Mike Hoffman has a handshake deal with the St. Louis Blues waiting for him at the end of his PTO. Also, why are some NHL GM’s crying foul on Blues General Manager Doug Armstrong and Tampa Bay Lightning General Manager Julien BriseBois? (Boston Hockey Now)

This is not going to sit well with Boston Bruins fans, but the Montreal Canadiens are Stanley Cup contenders again and players are signing there because they believe Carey Price and the Habs can finally win that elusive Stanley Cup. Friend of BHN, Eric Engels, has more. (Sportsnet)

Given their weak goaltending and suspect defense, I’m not sure the Buffalo Sabres are playoff contenders in a stacked East Division but they will be ‘hungrier’. (National Post)

After finding out they will be without their best young player and center Kirby Dach on Monday, the Chicago Blackhawks got more bad news on Tuesday as they announced that Jonathan Toews is out indefinitely with an illness. (Blackhawks.com)

Finally, been in a Pearl Jam mood this week so here’s one of the best concerts I’ve ever been to as your Murph’s Music Pick Of The Day: