Bruins re-sign Bitz, sign Begin; Other noteable division signings

*The Boston Bruins have announced the signing of forward, Byron Bitz. Terms of the deal will not be disclosed. When the terms do sneak out, we will update this. Obviously, this is news so we can tell how much cap space Boston has left.

My Take: This is the first RFA of the Bruins to sign. Bitz has great up-side and if he can polish his skills he could be a dangerous forward for years to come.

*The Bruins have signed center Steve Begin to a one-year contract. The former Canadien was traded to Dallas last season. The deal is worth $850,000 for the 2009-2010 campaign.

My take: By signing Begin, GM Peter Chiarelli said that fourth-line center Stephane Yelle will not return. Begin will replace Yelle on the fourth line and serve in a penalty-killing role as well. This signing is much like the Yelle signing last season. It is an under the radar signing that could pay dividends. Begin played under Claude Julien in Montreal and said he enjoyed playing for the current Bruin boss. I will miss Yeller, but Begin is that type of player but younger. Begin said, I'm going to be on the right side now," after the former Hab is now a part of the hub of hockey.

*Mike Komisarek is no longer a Montreal Canadien. Komisarek signed with the Toronto Maple Leafs for $22.5 million over five years, which is an average of $4.5 million per year.

My Take: My first thought when Komisarek left the Canadiens was, oh no. I was sure going to miss those Komisarek and Lucic throw downs. However, I was quickly revived when I found out Komisark was staying in the division. Instead of Lucic having a red and white punching bag, it will now be white and blue.

*The Montreal Canadiens signed Hal Gill to a two-year, $4.5 million contract today.

My Take: Yes, Gill the Hab, how great is this? Gill was a Bruin who caught a lot of flack for giving up odd man rushes by the bucket load. Now that he is a part of the heated rival to the north, we get to see what it will be like to blow by the mongoloid game after game. More than $2 million a season for a 34 year old Gill? I almost feel bad for Canadien fans today. Lose Komisarek, add Gill, yuck.