Allen biding time, believes he belongs

KANATA, Ontario -- For the last four games, Bruins defenseman Bobby Allen watched from the press box.

He understands why.

"I know the deal," said Allen, who's seen Mark Stuart take his minutes. "It's late in the year. We're a little behind the eight-ball in terms of the playoffs, but I know they want to give the younger guys a shot to play. That's fine. I understand that.

"I just have to keep working hard in practice, keep a good attitude, and when the coaches need me to play, I'll be ready to go."

In previous years, Allen would have been preparing for the stretch run in the AHL at this time. But since his recall from Providence Jan. 16, he hasn't resembled a minor league player.

He's had assignments ranging from No. 2 defenseman -- while paired with Zdeno Chara, Allen logged a season-high 19:10 against the Maple Leafs and No. 1 center Mats Sundin Feb. 20 -- to the sixth guy.

In 26 games with the big club, Allen has averaged 13:01 per outing, recording three assists. He's thrown 31 hits and blocked 29 shots, proving himself to be a dependable depth defenseman.

"I hope I've proven to the coaches that I can play in this league and at this level," said Allen. "I just play a sound, safe game. That's what I try to do when I'm out there."

This summer, the South Shore native will hunker down in his Scituate home and plot his next move. The 28-year-old Boston College alumnus will become an unrestricted free agent July 1.

Jay Fee, Allen's agent, said he has not spoken with Peter Chiarelli about his client, noting that the first-year general manager has bigger and more timely issues.

But Fee believes that because of Allen's 26-game Boston stint (he had played in only one NHL game before this season), the defenseman has proven he's worthy of a big league contract, whether it's with the Bruins or another club.

"You can expect that as long as you're making the right choices with the puck and you're positionally sound, you can present value to any NHL team," Fee said. "With the cap, it's important to have defensemen who are relatively affordable and play reliable, predictable games. They're sought after."

"I think my play's shown that, on a consistent basis, I can play at the NHL level," said Allen, under contract for the $450,000 NHL minimum this season. "I don't know if people agree with that or not.

"Whether it's with this organization or another organization, we'll see how it goes this summer. Hopefully, I've proven I can play at this level."

Chuck Kobasew was excused from Monday's backbreaking practice -- for good reason.

Kobasew was diagnosed with postconcussion syndrome, the result of a first-period hit he took in Sunday's 5-0 loss to Pittsburgh.

"I wasn't feeling that great," said Kobasew, who also sat out last night's 3-2 win over Ottawa. "I wanted to play. At that point, it was still a game. It wasn't like it was in the third period and we were down a bunch."

Earlier this season, Kobasew missed eight games with a concussion when he was with the Calgary Flames. He said the symptoms of this concussion, however, aren't as severe.

Kobasew will be re-evaluated today, and his progress will be monitored daily. Coach Dave Lewis said it would be premature to shut him down for the season.

"He wants to play," Lewis said. "But we have to do what's right for him."

On Monday, the NHL announced it has renewed its partnership with CBC and "Hockey Night in Canada" for six more seasons. One feature of the new deal will be free online streaming of games in coming seasons. The NHL also announced yesterday that it will continue its relationship with NBC in 2007-08, when the network will air nine regular-season games, all on Sundays in high definition. NBC holds an option for 2008-09 . . . Ottawa defenseman Wade Redden missed last night's game with a lower-body injury. He sat out eight games earlier this year with a groin injury . . . Patrice Bergeron, who skated on the wing during even-strength play, led the Bruins with five shots. Linemate Marco Sturm led with four blocked shots.

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