It is rumored that Florida Panthers winger Nathan Horton could become a Bruin in the coming week or so (he has a no-trade clause that kicks in on July 1). Horton, who scored 62 points in both the '06 and '07 seasons, is a 25 year old, former 3rd overall pick that many (if not all) would say hasn't played to his full potential. The Bruins appear to have the edge over the Calgary Flames and Buffalo Sabres to acquire Horton, mainly due to the fact that the Bruins have an abundance of 1st and 2nd round picks in this years and next years draft. Peter Chiarelli has hinted that the team may use those picks to bring in someone capable of impacting the team right away. I would be very surprised if Chiarelli didn't take advantage of the draft picks that they have and try and trade some of them to a team looking to rebuild. Perhaps Horton may live up to his potential and find his mojo by getting away from a hurting Florida Panthers team. Yes, Horton isn't the huge splash that many Bruins fans want this offseason, but I have faith in the front office that they will do what they can to get this team where it needs to be.
The last thing the B's need is another guy without a pulse. But Horton has a shitload of talent (which you would expect from a #3 overall pick), and maybe all he needs is to get out of Florida and into a city that actually cares about hockey.
ReplyDeleteHe's essentially a far more skilled version of Looch, and playing with Savard...maybe he could blossom into the 40 goal player many thought he'd be by now.
It's risky, but I think he could be a HUGE steal.