Byron Bitz signs a multi-year extension with the Bruins.
Day one of the NHL free-agency period began today, and as expected, the Boston Bruins were fairly quiet.
Bruins unrestricted free-agent defenceman Steve Montador was picked-up by the Buffalo Sabres earlier today during day one of the NHL free-agency date. The terms of the deal is $3.1-million for the next two years.
The six-foot Montador was acquired by the Bruins from the Anaheim Ducks back on Mar. 4, 2009 in exchange for forward Petteri Nokelainen. Montador played in 13 games for the Black and Gold during the regular season, finishing with one point, a plus-three, and 18 penalty minutes with the squad.
Restricted free-agent Byron Bitz agreed to a multi-year extension with the Bruins—and as per club policy, the terms have not yet been disclosed. The big 24-year-old forward notched seven points in 35 games during his rookie season and was a nice addition to the forth-line, with Shawn Thornton, and center Stephan Yelle.
I think we can solidify his forth-line duties as full-time for next season
Peter Chiarelli and co. signed former Montreal Canadiens, and Dallas Stars center Steve Begin to a one-year contract worth $850,000. Begin suited-up for the rival Habs in 42 games last season—10 points—before being traded to the Dallas Stars on Feb. 29, 2009, for Doug Janik. The agitator finished his 20-game stint in Dallas with three points and 15 penalty minutes.
From WEEI.com:
Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli confirmed the signing during a Wednesday night conference call and said that Begin effectively takes the roster spot formerly occupied by veteran center Stephane Yelle.
Finally, Johnny Boychuk has signed a one-year contract extension with the Bruins. The 25-year-old scored 65 points in 78 games last season, while being named the AHL's Best Defenseman. He made his NHL debut with Boston on Dec. 4, 2008, playing the forward position in a 3-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Originally drafted by the 61st overall by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2002 NHL Entry Draft, Boychuk was acquired by the Bruins on Jun. 24, 2008, for center Matt Hendricks. The 6'2", 225 lb. Boychuk could see some time with the Bruins this season as a No.6 blue-liner, in addition to his full-time duties in Providence.
Still unsigned:
Restricted Free-Agents
(F)Phil Kessel: $850,000
(D)Matt Hunwick: $775,000
Unrestricted Free-Agents
(F)PJ Axelsson: $1,850,000
(F)Stephan Yelle: $750,000
(F)Mark Recchi: $1,250,000
(D)Shane Hnidy: $760,000
(G)Manny Fernandez: $4,750,000
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Comments
I like re-signing Bitz. Underrated player. Huge, hard to move, can put the puck in the net on occasion. Good player.
Steve Montador was almost completely useless as a Bruin. He's stealing money at $1.5 million per season in Buffalo. Good riddance, I say...
They have to get something done with Phil Kessel. I am not on board with trading the kid. Too good of a talent.
-Sean
Agree with the Matador comment. Offense no defense. Haven't heard anything about the rush for Manny :)
Bitz, Blitz and Gritz line stays!
Sean, I love the Bitz signing as well. He's a good 4th line player. Look like he'll be playing alongside Begin this season (sigh).
I think if Monty had a full-season in Boston he could be a useful 5-6 D. But yeah, for $1.5-mil...no thanks.
I wish the Kaberle/Kessel thing went through last week. One thing about Phil is, you can't teach someone his speed. Having said that, I think his ceiling of potential is rapidly approaching. 30-40 goals? For certain, but does that merit over $4.5-mil/season? heck no.
Krejci is a much better two-way-player (all-around) than Kessel, and costs a fraction of his rumored asking price. If the kid could throw his body around, even occasionally, then I maybe. But lacks all physical game to be a great NHL player—right now anyways.
Kessel is only 21 yrs old and not even in his prime yet. He'll consistently bang out 40+ goals per year and is well worth whatever he'll get from another club. Prob north of $5 mill per. Legit.
Jason, Kessel is, and has been, a one-trick-pony. Just because a player scores 40-goals does not merit him north of $5-mil/year. He can't hit, he has zero physical play, and has been benched for poor defensive play.
How many time per game does he: Skate fast down the wing with the puck. Stick-handle thru the neutral zone, pass the blue-line, toe-drag at the top of the circle, and shoot the puck in the chest of the goalie? I'd say at least twice per. Hardly legit.
21 YRS OLD. Imagine what he's gonna do when he becomes a 2+ trick pony? When he starts hitting? When he plays a little defense? That's why someone is gonna pay him the big bucks.
Jason, When is that going to happen? I have yet to see any flashes of it. I just personally don't think it's worth trading players away to make room for his over-priced contract. He deserves Krejci money, nothing more. Gotta give the kid a tremendous mount of heart though--playing with that injury throughout the playoffs.
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