The Boston Bruins wasted little time restocking their blue line as today they signed defenceman Derek Morris to a one-year deal worth $3.3 million.
Of course this follows Boston's move yesterday when the Bruins traded Aaron Ward to the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for forward Patrick Eaves and a 2010 4th round pick. Eaves was later waived.
This will be Morris' fifth NHL team in his 10-year career. Morris had played for the Rangers, Coyotes, Avalanche and Flames.
In 75 games last season split between New York and Phoenix, the 30-year old Morris had five goals and 15 assists.
I think it is safe to say that Boston overpaid to get Morris. Morris was looking for a deal around $3.5 million a year according to some sources. However, nobody was willing to go that high for Morris. It seems as though Boston was by far the most aggressive suitor for Morris who jumped at the opportunity to play for Boston.
Boston hopes Morris will help them on the power play and in heading the puck to forwards. Morris, a player with a lot of talent when drafted has never been a truly elite defenseman in the NHL. The Ranger fans I have talked to have said that Morris really didn't bring the blue shirts much after the trade deadline last season. This signing may be a bit of a head scratch er right now, but at the same time could pay dividends if he can help the Bruins power play.
If the Bruins stick Morris with Zdeno Chara this could possibly elevate his game. It doesn't hurt having a Vezina winning goalie playing behind you either.
Boston is now, right back up on the cap and it is still unknown how they would sign RFA, Phil Kessel. Another trade will come, one way or the other. Either including Kessel, or another Bruin forward.
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