The 32-year-old winger is with the Bruins on a PTO agreement after logging just two helpers in 12 games with the Kings last season. Purcell could stick with the B's as a depth forward, but the team's preference is probably to fill open spots up front with members of the organization's promising prospect crop.
After totaling 43 points in his time with the Oilers and Panthers last season, Purcell joined the Kings on a one-year deal in July. That output was right in line with the veteran’s career scoring pace, so look for him to provide a similar level of scoring punch as a depth forward in Los Angeles, assuming his skills don’t begin to erode at age 30. The short nature of his deal ensures Purcell will be hungry to prove he deserves another NHL contract next offseason.
Purcell is the odd man out in the Oilers’ top six this year. Sure, he has a shot to win a job alongside Connor McDavid and Taylor Hall on a scoring line, but Nail Yakupov is a better fit there, at least stylistically, and Purcell certainly isn’t a defensive upgrade over the enigmatic Russian. Purcell will likely toil on the third line, but should see time on the second power-play unit. That will give him some value, but at 30, his peak is well behind him.
Purcell was acquired from the Lightning for Sam Gagner in the offseason in what amounted to little more than a salary dump by the Bolts. Still, he represents a quality acquisition for Edmonton, as he’s averaged 16 goals a season over the past four years and can be a useful player on the second line. He won't get to play alongside Steven Stamkos anymore, but the Oil's young studs could inject some life into his game. He could even return to the mid-50s level in points if things break right.
Is Purcell a product of Vinny Lecavalier? Or did Purcell help Vinny resurrect his own career? Well, we're about to find out. Purcell and Lecavalier were a solid duo in Tampa Bay, but Vinny is gone, replaced by former Wing, Valterri Filppula. Purcell has a great shot, but he's been primarily a set-up man. Filppula is also known for his playmaking, so it will be interesting to see how Purcell adapts. Will he best his 65-point career mark? Our guess is no -- we think it's going to take Teddy some time to adjust to his new pivot. Use caution, but remember his name -- he might be a good buy-low target at the quarter pole or just after.
Purcell played well with Vinny Lecavalier last season, but he was outstanding with Steven Stamkos and Marty St. Louis. So much so that he recorded career bests in goals (24), assists (41) and points (65). So what's in store for this native of Newfoundland? He's now the Bolts' top left winger and a 70-plus point season is on tap. He probably won't replicate his goal-scoring prowess, but there are few better opportunities for supreme set-ups than with Stammer and St. Louis. Take advantage.
Purcell has finally arrived. The undrafted U.S. college stud finally put together the season (and postseason) that foreshadowed when he exploded for 83 points in just 67 games as an AHL rookie in the Kings system. He has buttery soft hands and the size to play in traffic. And last season, he demonstrated a delicious chemistry with two-way star Vinny Lecavalier. His six goals and 17 points in 18 playoff games smacks of another escalation to his game, and he should better his 51-point, 2010-11 regular-season output. He probably won't come cheap.
Purcell has talent but unfortunately for him, it'll be hard to show it off on a suddenly deep Bolts' roster. He's best-suited in the team's top-six but he'll be hard-pressed to earn time there unless the team moves someone out. And his defensive shortcomings make him a real risk on a checking line. He's a deep sleeper unless he sneaks onto Vinny Lecavalier's line again -- monitor the team's transactions before and turning camp to see what opportunity unfolds for the young man.
Purcell registered 38 points in 38 games in the AHL but just 16 points in 40 games for the Kings, despite getting some time on the team's top line. His fantasy output will be largely determined by his wingers as he's not a pure finisher. He doesn't have anything left to prove in the AHL but it remains to be seen just how much ice time, and in what role, he'll get with the Kings this season.
Purcell went undrafted, signed with the Kings and then proceeded to put up 83 points in the AHL in just 67 games. He got a quick 10-game stint with the Kings, collecting 3 points. He'll be given every chance to break camp with the Kings in a scoring role and could land on their second line with Alexander Frolov and Jarret Stoll.
