Bruins Moves

Was in Vermont all week with no internet...

Bruins sign C Steve Begin to a 1 year, 850k deal.

Begin replaces Yelle as the 4th line center.  Begin is more physical than Yelle, although Yelle is a more skilled player and good on the PK.  Begin is a banger, and it is always good to have an ex-Hab on the team.  He has played for Julien before, which has been a plus i.e Michael Ryder.  Some people may have wanted Sobotka to have this role, but I think Begin will really help solidify the 4th line with Thornton and Bitz.  

Bruins sign D Johnny Boychuk to a 1 year, one way deal.

Boychuk will likely replace Hnidy/Montador as the 7th defenseman.  Boychuk was outstanding in Providence, winning the Eddie Shore Award, and hopefully his offense can translate to the next level.  I was a little surprise to see him get a one way deal, but I like his potential.

Bruins re-sign Byron Bitz to a 2 year, 1,375,000 deal (687,500 per).

Lower cap hit than most thought, I like the deal.  Bitz is a banger and can cause turnovers on the forecheck.  He really adds a physical presence to the lineup and can play on the top lines and play a Lucic type role.  It's good to have Bitz back in the fold, he deserves a spot on the team.

Bruins re-sign Mark Recchi to a 1 year, 1 million dollar deal.

My favorite move.  I really wanted to have Recchi back as he adds a lot of depth. Even if he wasn't originally in the Bruins plans, this deal is so cheap you have to take it.  It is a complete bargain for his numbers.  It's good to re-sign a deadline acquisition, as it shows that players want to play here, and it makes the Karsums, Lashoff deal that much better as Recchi isn't just a 3 month rental.