The Chicago Blackhawks are the model franchise of the NHL, with an on-ice approach that 29 other clubs would love to emulate.
Certain teams, definitely including the Bruins, would also love to be able to match the Hawks in how well they’ve been able to survive and prosper, despite enormous salary cap woes.
The Bruins are in a real mess with their salary cap, and will probably be forced to make some very painful decisions that will reduce cap pressure but weaken the team on the ice next season.
The B’s may well be moving forward minus defenseman Dougie Hamilton or winger Milan Lucic, have already said goodbye to Carl Soderberg, Dan Paille and Gregory Campbell and seem quite likely also to lose blueliner Adam McQuaid.