Sturm re-signs for four years, $14m

Bruins coach Dave Lewis wasn't waving a white flag, although the Panthers knocked the road-weary Bruins into submission. (LUIS M. ALVAREZ/ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SUNRISE, Fla. -- With three days remaining before the NHL trade deadline, the Bruins ensured that Marco Sturm isn't going anywhere.

Sturm signed a four-year extension yesterday, a deal worth $14 million ($3.5 million per season).

"It was a long process," said general manager Peter Chiarelli. "I embarked on that process when I embarked on the same process for Brad [Stuart]. We just made more headway.

"Part of the negotiations are give and take. Marco really wanted to stay here. He wanted to know what was inside the organization -- the vision and mind-set going forward."

In last night's 7-2 loss to the Florida Panthers, Sturm notched an assist to bring his totals to 20 goals and 12 assists.

The 28-year-old Sturm, acquired by the Bruins from San Jose along with Stuart and Wayne Primeau for Joe Thornton in November 2005 , would have become an unrestricted free agent July 1, free to sign with another club.

"I am really happy that we were able to get this deal done so that I can stay in Boston," said Sturm in a statement.

"I signed this deal because I am confident about the future of this team, and also because I love Boston and playing in front of the Boston fans."

Because of his UFA status, Sturm was considered trade material earlier this season. But Sturm, who missed two games with a concussion and facial injuries, has tuned up his game since returning to the lineup. Sturm has 9 points in his last nine games.

"He's fast," said Chiarelli. "He does go into traffic to take a hit or take a shot. He's got a level of aggression that I like for a goal scorer.

"He's enthusiastic. He has fun playing. That translates into a better player."

The Bruins, seeking some netminding relief for Tim Thomas, picked goalie Joey MacDonald off waivers from the Detroit Red Wings yesterday. MacDonald was recalled to Boston and took the roster spot of Glen Murray (groin), who was placed on injured reserve. Murray was injured in practice Feb. 5 and aggravated his injury during a 6-3 win over Philadelphia last Monday.

"He's part of the depth I've been trying to acquire," said Chiarelli.

MacDonald (6 feet, 197 pounds) turned 26 this month. He has played in eight games for the Red Wings this season, going 1-5-1 with a 3.46 goals-against average and an .872 save percentage. MacDonald last played Feb. 12, allowing six goals on 33 shots to the Flyers in a 6-1 rout.

MacDonald earns $550,000 this season and is a Group 6 free agent; he will become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

The Bruins didn't make a move with Hannu Toivonen, which gives them three goalies on their big league roster. Chiarelli plans to meet with Toivonen to determine the 22-year-old's future with the organization.

Chiarelli said he has not gotten any offers for Toivonen, who came on in relief of Thomas in the second period last night and allowed four goals on 33 shots.

"It's no secret that Hannu hasn't gotten the ice time," said Chiarelli. "I believe he's a tremendous goaltender -- both prospect and current goaltender. He's lacking his confidence right now and he's struggling.

"So I had to shore up the depth now."

The signing of MacDonald also demonstrates the Bruins' reluctance to promote Philippe Sauve or Jordan Sigalet from Providence. Brian Finley is out with a recurrence of his groin injury and is most likely gone for the season.

Petr Tenkrat joined Murray, Andrew Alberts (hamstring), and Shean Donovan (lower body injury) on the shelf last night. Tenkrat twisted his ankle during the second period of Friday's win over the Lightning. Tenkrat was one of 12 Bruins to participate in yesterday morning's optional skate, but he didn't last long . . . By his recollection, Stanislav Chistov has used a wooden stick for the last six games. The lumber seems to be working, as Chistov had been on a three-game scoring streak (two goals, one assist), but was held scoreless last night. "You feel the puck much better," said Chistov. "You know what to do with the puck when you get it. I hope to keep it going like this." . . . Tampa Bay's Andre Roy, who made a threatening gesture toward the referees at the conclusion of Friday's game, was suspended three games . . . Sigalet had 23 saves as the Baby Bruins dumped the Falcons in Springfield, 6-2.

Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com.