Of the two talented blue liners, Gonchar would be more tantalizing, and more costly. According to the source, the Bruins have been aggressive with their offers, including a first-round draft choice in both packages. The offer to Washington also could include at least one higher-profile roster player, possibly injured winger Sergei Samsonov, the Magical Muscovite who missed most of last year with a wrist injury and subsequent surgery, and who now is struggling with a rib injury.
"We have our lines in the water," said Boston general manager Mike O'Connell, here last night to witness his club's second blanking in as many nights. "Now, whether anyone bites, who knows?"
O'Connell, who maintained his cool when club owner Jeremy Jacobs banged the table for change amidst a free-fall in the standings in December, would not confirm details of any offers. Routinely tight-lipped in regard to club dealings, especially those involving possible trades, he also is bound by league rules not to comment about players who are currently under contract with other clubs.
"I've got nothing to say," said O'Connell. "I can't. I just can't."
O'Connell already this season has improved the backline with the promotion of Shaone Morrisonn from Providence and the acquisition of Jiri Slegr from Vancouver. Prior to their arrival, the Bruins were a downright mess in their own end, failing game after game to advance the puck up ice. Without that boost from the rear, they virtually never scored off the rush --because there was no rush -- and then they never saw their blue line corps engage in the offense once they moved as a five-man unit over the offensive blue line.
With the addition of Gonchar or Leetch, or both, the Bruins would not only further upgrade the backline, they would be thrust among the favorites to come out of the East and reach the Stanley Cup finals.
On a Washington team that is being ripped apart in a salary dump, Gonchar has 7 goals and 42 assists, factoring in 49 of the club's 147 goals. He is the top-scoring defenseman in the NHL, holding a 9-point lead over the likes of Chris Pronger, Mathieu Schneider, and Rob Blake.
