Morning Skate 331: Bruins did have Da Costa interest

Share

By Joe Haggerty
CSNNE.comA Bruins source confirmed that the team had interest in Merrimack College hockey standout Stephane Da Costa as he enters the NHL via free agency as an undrafted prospect from France, but they were never front runners in the Da Costa sweepstakes.The same team source termed their chances as slim on Wednesday, and that became none on Thursday morning as the puck prospect signed a two-year deal with the Ottawa Senators.Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli was spotted at Merrimack watching Da Costa on several occasions, so the organization did their due diligence in attempting to lure the hot prospect to Boston.People close to Da Costas situation indicated he wanted to go to an NHL team where he could play right away, and that was never going to materialize with a Bruins team locked and loaded for the playoffs. The Florida Panthers and Minnesota Wild were other teams strongly in contention for the highly-skilled college prospect that helped turn around a Merrimack hockey program, and get them into the NCAA tournament for the first time since 1988.Hes definitely got some of the European flair and creativity to his game along with the soft edges that can infuriate some hockey coaches, but theres little doubting Da Costa can add something to a power play unit with his NHL caliber hands and passing vision.The 21-year-old posted 90 points in 67 games against solid Hockey East competition, and had NHL scouts tracking his every move this seasonand letting out groans when a knee injury sidelined him for a portion of the season.Lawrence Eagle-Tribune Merrimack beat reporter Mike McMahon reported that Da Costa will play for the Senators Saturday night against the Maple Leafs, and will finish out the season with the rest of a young and hungry Senators bunch. The Hockey East standout will also swing through the TD Garden with the Senators on April 9 for a Saturday matinee, so everybody can fix their eyes on another local college hockey player thats done very well for himself. On to the links:Speaking of Da Costa and Hockey East, heres former University of New Hampshire player and current Ottawa Senators Bobby Butler talking about his former Merrimack adversary turned teammate.A nice piece by New Yorks SB Nation hockey entry on 21-year-old Rangers defenseman Ryan McDonagh after he survived his brush with the NHL punk formerly known as Matt Cooke.Bruins defenseman, and Thomas the Tank Engine twin, Tomas Kaberle is one of the bigger names in a list of 10 players that Puck Daddy would love to see win a Stanley Cup this season.Excellent story by ESPNBoston.coms Joe McDonald about the connection between Johnny Bower and Tim Thomas. A must read for Bruins fans.NBC Pro Hockey Talk delves into the murky waters inhabited by NHL fan bases in Phoenix and Winnipeg that arent exactly best friends right now.A Classic high school studentvideo created in the TD Garden balcony with a flip cam during a Bruins game that concluded with a very heartwarming and happy ending.Speaking of Hockey East alums, Nathan Gerbe has established himself in Buffalo as the Sabres make a run at the playoffs in the second half of the season. Not bad for a 5-foot-5 gnat on skates.Rob Rossi provides a transcription following Sidney Crosbys first non-contact practice with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Seems like hes ramping up for a playoff return, doesnt it?

Contact Us