Kobasew gets three-year, $7m deal
On March 25, an ill-placed Zdeno Chara slap shot fractured Chuck Kobasew's left tibia and ended his 2007-08 season, preventing the former Boston College star from competing in the postseason.
But the disappointment was surely tempered yesterday when Kobasew, a restricted free agent, signed a three-year extension with the Bruins. The deal is worth $7 million with an annual cap hit of $2.33 million. Kobasew earned $1.2 million in 2007-08.
"Little low," said one NHL agent when informed of the contract. "Good signing by the Bruins."
Kobasew, who turned 26 last month, is expected to recover from his injury and be ready for training camp.
Acquired from Calgary with Andrew Ference on Feb. 10, 2007, for Brad Stuart, Wayne Primeau, and a conditional draft pick, Kobasew was plagued by elbow and head injuries upon his arrival, collecting only 2 points in 10 games.
In his first full season in Boston, Kobasew netted a career-best 22 goals (second on the team behind Marco Sturm) and added a personal-best 17 assists over 73 games while serving as the right wing on one of the top two lines.
Kobasew played a gritty style, taking advantage of his speed and willingness to enter the dirty areas. He was credited with 86 hits, second among Bruins forwards behind Milan Lucic (181). Kobasew scored six power-play goals and recorded a team-high three shorthanded strikes, averaging 2:17 of ice time per match on the penalty kill.
After the Bruins were eliminated by the Canadiens in the first round of the playoffs, Kobasew estimated he wouldn't have been ready to return until at least the third round.
Boston's remaining restricted free agents include Dennis Wideman, Mark Stuart, and Petteri Nokelainen. The Bruins have also held initial talks with unrestricted free agents Aaron Ward and Glen Metropolit.
Fluto Shinzawa can be reached at fshinzawa@globe.com.
