I think the distinction needs to be made between tangibles and intangibles on the Lucic deal. Statistically, Lucic may not end up being a “star” player or even a “superb” player, but we all know that on occasion what shows up on the printed sheet doesn’t represent what shows up on the ice. From what I understand (I’m sure someone will tell me differently), Lucic is a Max Talbot-style role player whose popularity and presence are his most important assets to the team, not so much his statistical production.

Would I have picked Kessel over Lucic? Tough to answer. I haven’t seen enough of Kessel’s play with my own eyes to judge his ability or potential properly, but it seems to me – given the size and term of the deal – that Lucic’s presence in the room was valued far more highly than Phil’s.

…here
. “I think it’s an issue that has to be addressed somehow, somewhere along the way. But it is what it is now. It’s part of our business.”

Is he suggesting that he was forced to sign this deal?

I think Lucic’s contract is more a commentary on his ability to but butts in seats moreso than his hockey ability. The Bruins went through a very rough period where they were a distant 4th in popularity here in Boston. Lucic played a big role in re-establishing the franchise as a team worth watching. If the B’s had lost him in free agency, fan backlash would have pretty severe, based on the number of his jerseys (and unlicensed “Lucic Crew” and “Lucic Fight Club” shirts) in the stands.

It’s a bit Dale Jr.-esque in a way. Neither is really an elite talent, and neither puts up gaudy numbers…but boy, do they sell tickets and move merchandise.

I just like that James called Lucic a “unique creature.”

Put me down as a skeptic. As much as Lucic’s big hits and fighting ability make him a fan favorite, I still think he’s very overrated as a player. Not that he isn’t a legit NHL forward, but the folks in Boston who insist on calling him the next Cam Neely (and that comparison gets made A LOT here) seem to have forgotten how great Neely was. Lucic doesn’t seem to do a lot of things (create havoc along the boards as a forechecker, crash the net for garbage goals) that elite power forwards do.

Every time he hammers Mike Komisarek into submission.

During the regular season Kessel’s speed and agility to go along with his explosive speed and scoring touch are more valuable, but in this instance the Bruins already feel that they have the necessary ingredients to become a long-term annual playoff team like the Red Wings, and Chiarelli’s previous employer Ottawa (until last season). And with that logic comes the answer to the Bruins thinking that Lucic is a more valuable asset than Kessel.
In the playoffs Lucic is an animal, there is no other way to put it for his explosive physical style and presence is exactly what every team desires comes playoff time. Face it no defenceman wants to look over his shoulder when retrieving a puck in his own zone and see that gargantuan monster barrelling down on him and to realize when licking his wounds on the bench that he is not only going to face this shift after shift but for possibly 7 games. He can not only physically wear down his opponents but mentally as well, and now add to the fact that he has the offensive instincts to beat you on the scoreboard and you have a physical dimension perfectly suited for playoff hockey and that’s the reason why the Briuns selected Lucic over Kessel, for Chiarelli knows from his days in Ottawa that you can have all the skilled players you want but come playoff time you better have some sandpaper for he has seen first hand what damage a player like Lucic and Gary Roberts can do to thier opponents in a 7-game series.
Want to compare Lucic to anyone, compare him to Gary Roberts or Wendell Clark (during their tenure with the Leafs).