Arbitrator decides Bruins buyout of Murray was just

On the same day the NHL gave out their awards for the 2008-2009 season, the Bruins got some other news. The Bruins will not have to pay the final, $1.4 million on Murray's contract.

From the Boston Globe --

LAS VEGAS -- The Bruins didn't come here with the idea of hitting a jackpot, but they found out just after noon here that they won't have to shell out another $1.4 million to ex-right winger Glen Murray.

Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli just confirmed that arbitrator Richard Bloch ruled that the Bruins were within their rights last summer to buy out the final year of Murray's deal, which was to pay the veteran goal scorer $1.45 million.

Murray argued, in the weeks following the buyout, that he was injured at the time the Bruins rendered the buyout, and thus he should have been ineligible to be bought out, per the protections of the Collective Bargaining Agreement. Bloch disagreed, noting in his written decision, said Chiarelli, that Murray was too late seeking a second medical opinion, a key and necessary ingredient in structuring his grievance.

''Truth is, I feel badly for Glen,'' said Chiarelli, here for tonight's NHL Award ceremonies, which could see Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara and Claude Julien leave with hardware. ''But we are just following the rules.

''Per standard buyout procedures, the final year of Murray's contrat was discounted by one-third, and the payout to be paid the balance over two seasons. The Bruins this past season paid him $1.383 million, which counted agianst the cap. They are obligated to pay him another $1.383 million in 2009-'10, which also will count against the cap. He will receive no more money after the upcoming season.

The victory, however, could limit Chiarelli's ability to sign free agents and other roster players for the upcoming season. Had Bloch ruled in Murray's favor, he would have been made whole in salary, but the Bruins would have been able to remove the $1.383 from the upcoming cap figure.
This is a mixed review for Boston. Sure, the Jacobs get to save some extra money, but it's not like they are hurting in that department. If Murray would have won the hearing and received his full salary, Boston could have removed his remaining number off of the 2009-2010 salary cap.

As we all know, Boston is going to be tight against the cap in trying to sign players like Kessel, Hunwick and Bitz. However, at least the Bruins know where they stand as they head into free agent season.