Bruins Buy Out Schaefer's Contract, Kessel and Thomas invited to team USA camp

USA Hockey announced today that Boston Bruins goalie Tim Thomas and forward Phil Kessel have been invited to the Men’s Olympic Orientation Camp from August 17-19, 2009 at the Seven Bridges Ice Arena in Woodridge, Illinois. The camp is designed to assist in the preparation of the 2010 U.S. Olympic Men's Ice Hockey Team that will compete at the XXI Olympic Winter Games to be held from Feb. 12-28, 2010, in Vancouver, B.C.

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Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli just announced a couple of hours ago that the club has bought out the last year of forward Peter Schaefer’s contract.

Following the buyout, Schaefer becomes an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any other NHL team.

With Schaefer bought out, the Bruins will have to carry $566,667 toward their cap number in 2009-10 and 2010-11.

By my calculations Boston's current cap number is, $49,950,000. This number includes the following players.

Forwards:

Marc Savard, $5 million

Patrice Bergeron, $4.75 million

Michael Ryder, $4 million

David Krejci, $3.75 million

Marco Sturm, $3.5 million

Chuck Kobasew, $2,333,333 million

Glen Murray, $1,383,333 million (buyout)

Blake Wheeler, $875,000

Milan Lucic, $850,000

Peter Schaefer, $566,667 (buyout)

Shawn Thornton, $516,667

Defensemen:

Zdeno Chara, $7.5 million

Dennis Wideman, $3.875 million

Aaron Ward, $2.5 million

Andrew Ference, $1.4 million

Mark Stuart, $1.3 million

Goalies:

Tim Thomas, $5 million

Tuukka Rask, $850,000

The 2009-2010 NHL salary cap is set at $56.8 million. At the moment, Boston is $6.85 million under the cap.

Now how does Boston fill out their roster with $6.85 million? This number may spell the end for Phil Kessel in Boston.

Habs aquire Gomez on free agency eve

The Montreal Canadiens made a deal with the New York Rangers Tuesday, taking on a whole lot of salary in the process.

The Canadiens acquired, C, Scott Gomez, winger Tom Pyatt and defenceman Mike Busto from the New York Rangers in exchange for winger Chris Higgins and defencemen Doug Janik, Ryan McDonagh and Pavel Valentenko.

The Habs certainly got the best player in this deal in Gomez. However, Gomez makes Zdeno Chara type money and is signed for five more seasons. Gomez may be on the decline, and paying a guy over $7 million on the decline might be a mistake. Gomez will likely be the number one center for Montreal, and may be a line mate of Alexi Kovalev if the Habs wish to retain him.

Bruins buy out Schaefer, Kessel dealing may not be dead

From Tsn.ca -- Boston has waived winger Peter Schaefer, who spent all of last season with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, scoring 26 points and putting up a plus-5 rating in 47 games. The soon-to-be 32-year-old was scheduled to make $2.1-million in 2009-2010.

My Take: Now, we all know what will happen here. Nobody is going to pick up Schaefer and his $2.1 million contract for this season. However, will Boston buy out the forgotten forward? Bruins GM, Peter Chiarelli was quoted as saying, "Maybe."

I hope Boston doesn't buy out Schaefer. If Schaefer is bought out, his number against the cap will be $700,000 this season and next. If Schaefer ends up back in Providence, he counts for nothing against the cap. Boston is already tight on the cap and can't afford that $700,000 for a nobody. Remember, they will already have a Glen Murray cap hit of $1.383,333 this season. Having over $2 million in cap hits is a tough thing to swallow.

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*The Kessel for Kaberle trade is apparently not dead. The Bruins may try to work something out with the Maple Leafs tomorrow before the free agency period will begin on July 1. There could also be a sign and trade that may occur later in the week.

*Apparently the New York Rangers were interested in acquiring Phil Kessel at the trade deadline. After the Rangers made their first round draft pick of, Chris Kreider, the Bruins offered Kessel for Kreider, their second round pick and their third round pick (eventually Ryan Bourque, son of Ray).

About 26 hours until free agents will start signing with clubs. It's going to be fun.

Kessel and number 25 to Leafs for Kaberle and number 7?

From TSN.CA--

The Boston Bruins are in pursuit of Tomas Kaberle and a top 10 pick in today's draft.

Sources tell TSN the Bruins have offered restricted free agent forward Phil Kessel to Toronto in exchange for the Leaf defenceman and Toronto's No. 7 pick in the draft.

The Leafs are apparently canvassing the league to see if there are any better offers out there.

Kaberle completed his 10th season with the Maple Leafs in 2008-09 and has two years left on his contract worth $4.25 million a season. While he has a no-trade clause, Kaberle's contract allows him to be dealt during a small window in the offseason that opens with the commencement of the draft tonight.





This is heating up, but is by no means anywhere near a done deal. There is only one guarantee, the next nine hours until the draft begins will be hot and heavy.

Rumors heat up on eve of NHL entry level draft

There are a lot of rumors flying around in Montreal in anticipation of tomorrow night's NHL draft and a lot have to do with your Boston Bruins.

*Marc Savard is apparently on the block according to multiple reports. Savard has one year left on his deal at $5 million but he does have a no-trade clause. In the past, Savard has said he would like to return to Canada to be closer to his family in Ontario. However, all of the teams in that area are in Boston's division in, Montreal, Toronto and Ottawa. However, Toronto has apparently expressed interest in Savard.

My Take: This would be a big mistake. This is Boston's leading scorer and he will be again this season. Losing Savard will not only mean losing your number one center, but a guy who makes your power play off the boards. If Boston trades Savard to create space or move up in the draft they will not be a Stanley Cup champion in 2009-2010.

*Boston has been rumored by the Star Tribune to be in talks to move Phil Kessel's rights before draft night to move up in the draft. Trading Kessel's rights will allow that team to negotiate exclusively with Kessel until the July 1, trade deadline.

My Take: Kessel is asking for a lot according to reports. Reports have said that Kessel is looking for at least $4.5 million per season. The two players that Boston apparently covets are Chris Kreider or Zack Kassian. If Peter Chiarelli thinks that the Kessel deal will not work out they should try and get what they can for him. If they can get a second round pick for Kessel, you may have to do it. In my opinion, Kessel is a 40 goal scorer, however, will he fit under the cap?

*The Toronto Maple Leafs are targeting and Bruins forward Peter Schaefer, according to the Globe and Mail.

My Take: Yes, this is interesting. Schaefer was not even an impact player in Providence last season. In my opinion he has no heart and doesn't bring it night in and out. Trade Schaefer for a fifth round pick and that's fine by me. However, he may be part of a package that may come about in the next rumor below.

*The Maple Leafs may be looking to trade veteran defenseman, Tomas Kaberle. According to a report offers have been made to Maple Leafs GM, Brian Burke for Kaberle and Boston may have submitted one of them. Toronto is looking for a player in return, as well as a draft pick.

According to Pierre LeBrun, Burke received an offer for veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle, which grabbed his attention, calling it "unexpected and unsolicited." "We have to take it seriously," added Burke, who said he immediately called four other teams to alert them to the offer.

My Take: Could it be a second round pick and Schaefer for Kaberle? This would undoubtedly be the end for one of Boston's high priced forwards like Phil Kessel or Marc Savard. I don't see this happening for the Bruins.

*One final rumor that I'm going to throw out there is that Chiarelli is looking to move up in the NHL draft and may be in talks with the Anaheim Ducks to move up to the 15th pick. Teams have been said to be looking for a roster player of mid-level salary. Boston currently hold the 25th selection in the draft.

My Take: Could this be a guy like Chuck Kobasew or Marco Sturm? This could be a good move for Boston. I like both of those players, but if this means they can re-sign Phil Kessel and draft a guy like Massachusetts, Chris Kreider than it might be a good thing for Boston.The next 24 hours should be fun. We could see a major roster move come tomorrow and we will have a lot better idea of whether Kessel will be resigned or not.



The next 24 hours should be fun. We could see a major roster move come tomorrow and we will have a lot better idea of whether Kessel will be resigned or not.

Bruins hit the jackpot in Vegas, take home major hardware

The Boston Bruins were big winners tonight in Las Vegas. Tim Thomas, Zdeno Chara and Claude Julien were all the winners of their respective rewards.

Tim Thomas took home the Vezina trophy, which goes to the leagues best goalie. Zdeno Chara took home the Norris trophy, which goes to the leagues best defenseman. Claude Julien took home the Jack Adams award which goes to the NHL's top coach.

This is the cherry on top of a fantastic 2008-2009 season for the Bruins. I would like to congratulate all of these men on their accomplishments, and I know they will come back next year looking for repeat performances.

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.

Ference undergoes successful surgery, out 4-6 weeks

The Boston Bruins announced today that Andrew Ference had successful surgery to repair an abdominal hernia.

From BostonBruins.com-- BOSTON – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced that earlier today Andrew Ference underwent successful surgery to repair an abdominal hernia and to perform an adductor release. The surgery was performed by Dr. David Berger and Dr. Peter Asnis at Mass General Hospital and will force Ference to miss approximately four to six weeks.

This will keep Ference out until July. July is normally when the players start their heavy training any how, so Ference should be ready for opening night.

Bruins sign Chiarelli through 2013-2014, Winter Classic to include Orr, Espo and the Chief?

GM Peter Chiarelli, who agreed to a four-year extension yesterday, spoke about his new deal today at TD Banknorth Garden.

The extension will kick in after Chiarelli serves the fourth and final year of his current contract in 2009-10. Chiarelli is now under contract to serve as GM through 2013-14.

We shall see how this turns out for Chiarelli and the Bruins. There have been many great deals and some suspect ones in his time frame here. We'll have to see how the cookie has crumbled come 2013.

Chiarelli also talked about sitting down with someone to get a deal done in the immediate future.

No, not Phil Kessel, but Claude Julien. The Bruins becnch boss will be entering the third and final year of his current contract.

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A new Winter Classic type tidbit worth note came out in Sunday's Boston Globe, courtesy of Kevin Dupont. Below is what KPD is hearing.

--According to a source familiar with the plans, the NHL's portable ice sheet and high-tech refrigeration system will be kept in place inside the lyric little bandbox for some three weeks. The featured game, on New Year's Day, will have the Bruins most likely opposing the Washington Capitals.

The same source said another game, held on a separate date, ideally will have members of Boston's 1970 and '72 Stanley Cup teams facing off against a collection of Bruins alumni. A college tournament is also in the works, according to the source.

Look for the league to make a formal announcement at Fenway next month, most likely toward the end of a long Red Sox homestand that wraps up July 12.

Now, I don't know about you all but how cool would it be to see Bobby Orr and Phil Esposito skate outdoors at Fenway Park? OK, it would have been a lot cooler if the two were in their prime, but this could be just as exciting as the actual game.

The names from that team are incredible. To refresh your memory, here who was on the 72' roster.

7 Phil Esposito (A.Capt.)

11 Mike Walton

17 Fred Stanfield

22 Derek Sanderson

8 Ken Hodge

9 John Bucyk (A. Capt.)

12 Wayne Cashman

14 Garnet "Ace" Bailey

18 Ed Westfall (A. Capt.)

19 John McKenzie

21 Don Marcotte

4 Bobby Orr

6 Ted Green (A. Capt.)

10 Carol Vadnais

20 Dallas Smith

26 Don Awrey

1 Eddie Johnston

30 Gerry Cheevers

We'll keep you posted over the next month until this will likely be confirmed.

A great bit to throw at you today, but hey, this is a lot of fun.

Bruins give Peter Chiarelli multi-year contract extension

Boston Bruins Principal Charlie Jacobs announced today that the club has signed General Manager Peter Chiarelli to a multi-year contract extension. Per club policy, terms of the deal will not be disclosed. Charlie Jacobs and Chiarelli will hold a press conference on Tuesday, June 16 at 12:00 p.m.

This was to be expected from the Bruins. The last things the B's wanted to do was to have this guy become a free agent in the GM field. It was reported that Minnesota was interested in making a run at Chiarelli, but that rumor is dead now.

If the Bruins actually talk terms tomorrow, we'll have more.

Penguins kings of NHL, Bourque carries Bears to AHL title and Vinny to Habs?

The hockey season has officially ended with its two major leagues crowning champions. The NHL saw the Pittsburgh Penguins defeat the Detroit Red Wings 2-1 and hoist Lord Stanley's cup. The series was a great one, exceeding last year's drama and ending in seven games.

In the AHL, the Hershey Bears won their 10th American Hockey League title with a 4-1 victory over the Manitoba Moose on Friday night.

The Bears were the team to knock the Providence Bruins out of the playoffs in the previous round.

The other Bruins related note in this is that Chris Bourque, son of Bruins legend, Ray Bourque scored the eventual game winning goal in the deciding game. The Bears defeated the Moose, four games to two.

The Bears are the Washington Capitals farm team while the Moose are the Vancouver Canucks minor league team.

So this concludes the 2008-2009 campaign, but that doesn't mean we are on vacation until October. BruinSpace will still have updates coming up over the next month on the NHL awards show, the NHL draft and then the opening of free agency on July 1.

Also, we will be all over it when the Bruins re-sign their RFA's. Boston still needs to try and lock up Bitz, Hunwick and Kessel.

This year's draft could be huge also as the Tampa Bay Lightning are in talks with the Montreal Canadiens and Los Angeles Kings to trade for Vinny Lecavalier for a slue of picks.

Keep it here Bruins fans.

A year in review: Our BruinSpace 2008-2009 year end report card

So, I've been dragging my feet as far as the end of the year report card. In all honesty, it had to do with a few things.

One, and most important I didn't expect to have to do it until after the cup finals. I thought it was Boston and Detroit, but we all know that didn't happen. Second, was the signing of David Krejci. I was about to give the report card but then the B's had announced that signing, so I went around trying to confirm those numbers instead.

With game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals coming up on Friday night, I figured now was the time to finally post the grades. For those who have been with us for the past two and a half years, you know we go, individual grades, offense as a whole, defense as a whole, and coaching grades. We have even given Peter Chiarelli grades at times in the past.

OK, no more stalling, away we go.

P.J. AXELSSON: Grade: B
The hardest Bruins to grade. Some people want time give him A's and love the work he does for the team. Then there are others that hate his lack of offensive game and give him F's. This scribe will give Ax a B because of all that he brings to the B's. He is offensively challenged, but it's not his fault he is put on the first line, he plays where he is placed.

PATRICE BERGERON: Grade: C
Bergeron played in 64 games and recorded, 39 points. It was a big dissapointment for Bergy and the fans, as everyone (this guy included) expected big things in Bergeron's comeback season. He was slowed by another concussion this year and you never know how he will react in the future. Bergy played well down the stretch, but you have to say overall, an average year for an above average talent.

BYRON BITZ: Grade: B
Bitz was called up in the second half for the B's and never left. A big body who is strong on the boards and a nightmare to move. Bitz showed signs of staying power by providing energy on both the third and fourth lines.

PHIL KESSEL: Grade: A-
Kessel was Boston's leading goal scorer this season, with 36. Kessel surely would have potted 40 if he had played the whole season. Kessel missed 12 games with mono and still led the club. Kess is an RFA this off-season and says he wants to stay in Boston, however, we shall see. Kessel is still a bit suspect in the defensive zone, but it is something that has much improved.

CHUCK KOBASEW: Grade: B
Kobasew broke a bone in his foot on opening night and missed 14 games. Even still, Kobasew was able to tally 21 goals. Chucky is a fearless player who always provides pressure in the offensive zone. Solid player, on Boston's third line.

DAVID KREJCI: Grade: A
Krejci was expected to step forward in his progression, but instead he lunged forward. Krejci played in all 82 games for the Bruins and recorded 73 points. Krejci had a great middle portion of the season and at times played like one of the most complete players in the NHL. He faded a bit down the stretch but still was effective.

MILAN LUCIC: Grade: B+
Great progression this season for Lucic. When Lucic was on his game, so were the Bruins. Lucic is a physical presence and provides nightmares for unsuspecting visitors. Looch scored 17 goals and recorded 45 points (both new highs) and looks like a guy who will be able to become a 20+ goal scorer each season.

MARK RECCHI: Grade: B
Recchi was a solid pick-up at the deadline. The 41 year old Recchi didn't look like he played his age and provided spunk for the B's. Recchi was the presence in front of the net that Boston needed. He put on tip clinics and tallied a few big goals. Recchi passed a kidney stone in the playoffs and was ready to go for game seven. This old man is still a solid option in the league.

MICHAEL RYDER: Grade: B
Ryder had a very slow start but it ended up that Ryder was worth the money. He found a home on the second line with Krejci and Blake Wheeler. The line formed one of the best units in the NHL and Ryder finished with 27 goals. Peter Chiarelli and Claude Julien said they thought they had a 30+ goal scorer with Ryder and it looks like they may be right.

MARC SAVARD: Grade: A Savard was yet again Boston's leading point getter, finishing the season with 88 points. Savy is a key part of Boston's power play and when he creates, the Bruins score. Savard and Kessel could form a deadly tandem next year is Kessel is re-signed. If the two stay together, look for a 100 point season for Savard and a 40 goal season for Kessel.

MARCO STURM: Grade: I - Incomplete
Sturm played in just 19 games this season before being sidelined with a leg injury. Sturm will be fully recovered and ready to go at the start of the 2009-2010 season. It will be interesting to see if the surgery will effect Sturm's good speed at all.

SHAWN THORNTON: Grade C+ Thornton recorded a career high in points with 11 and formed a nice chemistry with either Stephane Yelle and a rotating left wing. Thornton is your bruiser and is looked at to take on the big guys on opposing teams to fire up the troops when in a rut. Thornton is entering the final year of his contract and look for it to be his last in the hub.

BLAKE WHEELER: Grade: B
Wheeler was the surprise of camp by making the big club. Wheeler didn't dissapoint, and netted 21 goals and was a +36. Wheeler faded down the stretch due to playing his first full length NHL season. Wheeler was replaced by Bitz in the playoffs, but Wheels will be a mainstay on this team for years to come.

STEPHANE YELLE: Grade: B
The fans didn't like this signing last summer, but I did. It turned out to be a solid sign for Boston and Yelle anchored the fourth line and was out there just as often as Axelsson on the PK. Yeller was a great locker room presence and eventually became one of the leaders of the team after just a few months.

ZDENO CHARA: Grade: A
My pick (not biased I sware) for the Norris Trophy. Chara had a great season and showed why the Bruins paid him the big bucks to come here and be the captain. Chara was a rock on the back line and if the players were put to a vote I bet there is no other D-man that players would like to play against less.

DENNIS WIDEMAN: Grade: A- Wideman was playing at Chara level for the first half of the season but tailed off a bit at the end. Wides season overall was a great one, showing that he will be the number two defenseman on this team and a guy that can be a rock when leaned on. Wideman tallied 50 points this year too which was a career high by 14.

ANDREW FERENCE: Grade: B
Ference only played in 47 games due to injury and, although the Bruins played well without him he was solid when in the lineup. Boston missed him in the playoffs and will hope Ference can make a comeback for the start of camp.

SHANE HNIDY: Grade: C Hnidy was Boston's sixth defenseman for most of the season, playing in 65 games. For his role, Hnidy played well. Hnidy's call to fame this year was putting the boogy down against the Dallas Stars back in the Steve Ott, Sean Avery massacre in November. Hnidy was dubbed 'Sheriff Shane' by Bruins play-by-play man, Jack Edwards, a name that stuck with Hnidy the rest of the way. Hnidy has probably played his last game in black and gold.

MATT HUNWICK: Grade: B- Hunwick was this year pleasant surprise on the blue line. Hunwick played in 53 games for Boston, recording 27 points. Hunwick is considered a must sign player this offseason as one of Boston's RFA's.

STEVE MONTADOR: Grade: C-
Montador was picked up at the deadline for Petteri Nokelainen. This trade was pretty much a was, as Boston was looking to add depth on defense. Montador did not play well in the playoffs and will be looking for work elsewhere in 2009-2010.

MARK STUART: Grade: B-
Stuart made strides this season for Boston. He played in all 82 games and tallied 17 points playing on Boston's third defensive unit. The 17 points were a career high, and with Stu being on 25 you can expect the upswing to continue.

AARON WARD: Grade: B Ward played in 65 games this season, which is about what is to be expected with Ward's physical play. Ward is aging but is still a leader for Boston and plays a solid defense. Ward is entering his last season under contract with Boston.

MANNY FERNANDEZ: Grade: B-
Fernandez was solid to start the season for Boston. In fact, he was so good to start that he posed the question of whether or not he should get the majority of the starts. Remember when? Fernandez got nicked up again in the second half and struggled. Fernandez gave way to Tim Thomas and finished the season with a 16-8-3 record with a, 2.59 GAA and .910 Save %. Fernandez's days in Boston and even the NHL are likely over.

TIM THOMAS: Grade: A
Thomas, a finalist for the Vezina Trophy, awarded to the league's best goalie was a rock. Thomas went 36-11-7 with a 2.10 GAA, and .933 Save %. Thomas lead the league with in goals against and save percentage, enough said.


Overall Grades:

OFFENSE: Grade: A
Boston had the best offense in the Eastern Conference if you are going by the amount of goals scored. Going into the season, you would have never expected this to happen. Boston had been offensively challenged for years and were expected to be in the middle of the pack in terms of offense this season. Look for Boston to be an offensive power house again next season with possibly all of their snipers coming back.

DEFENSE: Grade: A
Boston gave up the fewest amount of goals in the NHL this season and with defensemen like Chara and Wideman you can see why. With other solid back liners like, Ward, Ference, Hunwick, and Stuart there is a sense that Boston will be atop the league when if comes to defense yet again next season.

GOALTENDING: Grade: A
The Bruins net minders gave up the fewest amounts of goals on the season. What other grade would I give them.

COACHING: Grade: A
Claude Julien has taken this team from laughing stock to the playoffs and now from a fringe team to the Eastern Conference leader in points for the regular season. Julien is up for the coach of the year and he should really take home the crown for this title. This guy has been a blessing for the Bruins and deserves some recognition for bringing a once proud franchise back to prominence.

GM: Grade: A-
Consider me a Chia fan. I calmed you all down on the past moves that everyone had ripped and asked everyone to give him time to show his plan. Well, it has worked and now fans hope the Jacobs clan will sign Chiarelli to a new deal. Chia is entering the final year of his original four year contract. Chiarelli will be busy this June with the NHL entry draft and trying to resign players like Bitz, Hunwick and Kessel. Not to mention he has to try and fit everyone in under a tight cap number.

Overall: Grade: A Even though the Bruins failed to make the Eastern Conference Finals you have to look at the big picture. This is not a playoff grade, but an entire season grade. Boston was the best team in the East during the regular season and there is no doubt in this bloggers mind that this team will be ready to make a deep run in next year's Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Bruins sign Krejci to three year deal

Well, it was only a matter of time. The Bruins announced late Tuesday afternoon that 23-year-old center David Krejci and the team have come to an agreement on a multi-year extension that will pay him $11.25 million.

According to TSN.com, the three-year deal will pay Krejci an average of $3.75 million per year, and pays out $3.5 million, $3.75 million and $4 million on the next three seasons.

The Bruins of course had two young free agents to get signed this summer. As expected the Bruins re-sign Krejci first and will now likely turn their attention toward Phil Kessel. Or so you would think.

Boston has other RFA's to worry about as well, like Matt Hunwick and Byron Bitz. Boston may decide to offer these younger Bruins their deals first and see how much room is left for Kessel. Some wheeling and dealing may need to be done to clear enough room to sign Kessel.

Look for Kessel to be looking for somewhere in the four's in terms of millions per season.

Both Krejci and Bruins General Manager, Peter Chiarelli will hold a conference call tomorrow to announce the signing.

Krejci's next action will be to have surgery. Krejci's surgery will likely have him sidelined for the start of the 2009-2010 season.

Capitals and Bruins in 2010 Winter Classic at Fenway?

Jeremy Jacobs all but confirmed the Bruins will host the Winter Classic, 2010 at Fenway Park last week. However, who will be the opponent?

Is it the Washington Capitals, for the Winter Classic, in Fenway Park? Caps owner Ted Leonsis hopes so, and it might happen.

There are rumors that have either the Caps or the Flyers playing the Bruins on New Year's Day 2010 in the all-but-confirmed location of Fenway Park.

You can put the better money on the Capitals as I'm sure the NHL would love to market the most exciting player in the game on New Year's Day. Ovechkin, and an original six team at Fenway Park. Sounds like a money train to me.

Stay Tuned, as an official announcement may occur after the NHL entry draft.