DECEMBER 8, 2006.

http://www.spectorshockey.net/

THE LATEST BRUINS NEWS.

BOSTON HERALD: Steve Conroy recently reported Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli is feeling less inclined to make a trade with his team on the upswing. Chiarelli also claims trade talk around the league has died down due to the salary cap and how close many teams are in the current standings.

BOSTON HERALD: Stephan Harris reports the Bruins have had preliminary contract talks with the agent for defenceman Brad Stuart, who's eligible for UFA status next summer. Harris points out that if the Bruins re-sign Stuart before January 1st, "the value of his additional years is averaged in with the remainder of his current contract - and impacts that season’s salary cap. "

Spector's Note: So that mean if the Bruins re-sign Stuart it'll be in the New Year. As for the Bruins improvement that's also due in part to goalie Tim Thomas's performance but I wouldn't be surprised if Chiarelli keeps an ear open for a potential upgrade prior to the February trade deadline.


RAYCROFT TO REMAIN A LEAF.

TORONTO GLOBE & MAIL: David Shoalts yesterday reported Maple Leafs goalie Andrew Raycroft has been unable to cover up his teammates defensive errors compared to his predecessors Curtis Joseph and Ed Belfour. Shoalts dismisses the notion of Raycroft being traded, noting he'd have to be included in any trade for a goaltender but a rival GM is unlikely to part with a better goalie to accept Raycroft in return.

Spector's Note: Raycroft's performance has sagged during the Leafs six game losing skid but to be fair he's had little help from his teammates. I noted during the Leafs hot streak back early and mid- November that their poor defensive game could become a problem.