[imported_The Vibesman]

I can't find any but the most optimistic of Bruins fans that like this deal. We needed a guy like Stuart, definitely, but "forward depth" in the way of underachievers and grinders is something we have in spades.

Joe made our top line play like a top line. Despite an apparent lack of intensity and fire, and occasional floating, Joe was the best player on the team, and when he was on the ice he could make things happen. Many in Boston felt that he should be able to do this every time he stepped onto the ice, and with Joe's talent, that wasn't so unexpected. So when he was shut down by the likes of John Madden or someone similar, he was blamed for not trying hard enough. But no one (excepting possibly Globe writer Kevin Paul Dupont) wanted him traded, and this just doesn't seem like enough. We need to fill that #1 center role. If something comes along soon to plug that gap, I can reevaluate the move in context. But right now...

One thing is for sure: The Bruins suck. They have been a tremendous disappointment. Obviously we overrated them a bit pre-season, probably not paying enough attention to their terrible defense, but they have also underperformed. Something had to happen.