Bruins to sign Wheeler
Blake Wheeler, the highly-sought winger from the University of Minnesota, has advised his agent to finalize terms of a contract with the Bruins, a two-year deal that won’t be made official until July 1, in keeping with NHL bylaws that govern the movement and signing of unrestricted free agents.
"More than 20 NHL teams were interested in Blake, and this was a very tough decision,’’ said Wellesley-based agent Matt Keator, who also represents Boston captain Zdeno Chara. "And ultimately it came down to a few things for Blake, but mostly that he was comfortable with where the Bruins were headed as an organization — how this year they brought along kids like David Krejci, Milan Lucic, and Mark Stuart. They’ve done a good job of developing kids, and he wants to continue along that line.’’
Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli, reached via email, wrote that he was pleased that Wheelers chose the Bruins. "Of course, ‘’ added Chiarelli, "we can’t sign him until July 1, but we look forward to getting him in the mix. Any time you can get a young player of Blake’s caliber with that blend of size and skill, you are very fortunate.’’
Wheeler, 21 years old and 6 feet 4 inches, 220 pounds, was drafted No. 5 overall by the Coyotes in 2004 and long has been considered a potential power forward in the NHL. Just over a month ago, in the wake of his junior season with the Golden Gophers, he announced that he would turn pro and intended to exercise the right to be a free agent if he could not come to contract terms with the Coyotes.
Only in rare instances do college players become free agents. But Wheeler, because he played a year of junior hockey before joining UMinn, was eligible to exercise his right to become UFA prior to July 1, because four years had lapsed since his draft day. Once officially a free agent as of June 8, he began to field bids from around the league, and just last week cut down to four teams — believed to be the Bruins, Canadiens, Rangers, and either the Devils or Wild.
Finally, early this afternoon, Wheeler finalized his choice.
"This is a great opportunity,’’ said Keator, adding that Wheeler won’t be available to comment until July 1. "But everyone, including Blake, has to keep in mind that this will take some time — he’ll have a lot of work to do to be able to play the man’s game. He’s going from originally playing center on an Olympic sized sheet in college to playing wing in the NHL. It will take time. This isn’t someone who is going to step in and play first line in the NHL. He may have to start in Providence (AHL). But he’s excited, not only to get the chance, but to get that chance with Boston.’’
Wheeler, by NHL rules, must sign a two-year deal at no more than a guaranteed $875,000 per season. Bonuses could bring him in excess of $2 million each season. It’s likely Wheeler will attend the club’s prospect camp in Wilmington, July 8-12.
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This is a great signing for the Bruins! He played with Kessel in the Juniors and is a prototypical Power forward who CHOSE Boston over every other team in the league. Will be interesting to see if he can crack the roster this year, and if Kessel and him get some playing time together again.
After years of the opposite happening, players are wanting to be a part of the Bruins! Great job PC!
This is a huge pick-up for the B's... We basically landed a top prospect for absolutely nothing. Awesome pick-up... The B's have some very good young players and prospects on this team. Hopefully we can add some more at the draft, and bring in some free agents to compliment the youth.
Awesome pick-up. It finally appears the B's are starting to continously make the right moves in building their franchise.
for the returned suggested managed well
The B's are now stocked with big, talented prospects. I would much rather see them actually develop these guys then trade them all away for an overpriced superstar (Hossa? Malkin?) This is how you build championship teams, from the ground up. Rather than put all your eggs in one basket it seems Chia is now in a great position, especially as Ryan Parker says (above), players WANT to come here now.
I actually think with a healthy Bergeron, if the Bs can pick up someone like Brian Campbell (and not overpay) and possibly Ryan Malone they would be in unbelievable shape moving forward.
SIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIK!!!!
Great pick up by the Bruins. Blake is a tremendous person and a great team leader. Great up side potential. He should be a great addition to the Bruins organization. Good luck Blake.
Blake is going to get pummeled when he visits Phoenix. Good riddance trash.
Once a year in Phoenix, I'll take it...that is, of course, if Phoenix has anyone talented enough to "pummel" him.
Speaking of trash, Blake surely elected not to sign a contract with Phoenix because thats exactly what their orginization is.
Great pickup for the Bruins. This front office is impressing me more and more each day and week.
BTW, Ryan Malone will probably garner five million a year on the market. I about flipped my wig when I heard that on NHL Live.
A great low risk high reward pickup if Wheeler pans out to be the player that was projected of him. It looks like this is Chiarelli's plan B if Hossa is planning on resigning in Pitt. I still believe that Murray will be gone and possibly Axelson, and Hossa will be in a B's uniform next year.
What a turd! He gets drafted by a somewhat decent team that seems to be up and coming but he's from Minnesota and doesn't want to play there. We're at the same level as these two teams and he shuns the team that drafts him. I read the Coyotes offered him the max and more. I'm not sure if a person like this is what a team wants. What will happen two years from now when he doesn't like it here.... will he run off to another team and turn up his nose to us too.
I don't like it.
trade murray and sobotka and maybe a 4th rounder or something for hossa
Trade Murray...sheesh...again, for the millionth time...who would want him and his four million dollars for 08-09...how old are you? Hey, I have arthritis that costs me thousands of dollars per month in treatment....could I trade that to you for your car?
And who would give up Hossa for only Murray, Sobotka, and a fourth rounder? Assuming Hossa is not a free agent (which, uh, he is), you would have to throw in: Marc Savard, Dennis Wideman, and possibly Marco Sturm for a superstar like Hossa. Go educate yourself higgafrank.
And Pru, whoever told you that Wheeler dodged the Coyotes because he didn't want to play in Arizona is mistaken. He wanted to stay in college is what I hear, and my sources are damn good.
No... I know he wanted to go to college. He just didn't take the contract they offered him about a month ago from Phoenix. They offered him plenty. He also doesn't want to play in his home state either.... wow. When we were kids we dreamed about scoring the winning goal on our own ice, why doesn't he?
I see him as a prima donna and very high maintenance. If I'm wrong, I'll gladly come back here and appologize.
Contract negotiations can be complicated, and only he and his agent - and the Phoenix people - will know why the sides couldn't come to an amicable agreement. There are thousands of elements to a pro contract, and if there was a sticking point that didn't sit well with Wheeler and his family/reps, then I wouldn't interpret that as a knock against the people of Arizona (who are great people and fans) or their club...although I will personally say that this hockey team has had stability problems.
But no need to apologize even if you turn out to be wrong. If I had to apologize for every time I shot off my big mouth, I wouldn't get anything done.
FINALLY!!!!! I think the Bruins are getting sick of being #4 in this town.
If we then trade Murray to free up space for Hossa (or even Malkin if you believe in rumors) we might actually start to have something. We might actually have a few scoring lines and pretty sick defense. Krecijicjic had a nice postseason, Kessel finally got his head out of his arse and Sobotka seems to be pretty decent. However, in my mind, I would like Lucic to show me something other than being able to throw heat. He seems to have the physical skills to be a pretty good player. Last season might have been the start of something...........
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