Bruins make Morris signing official

WOW. Bye, Kess. What does this move leave us with, $1.3mil? What can we do with that? Certainly not sign Kess, unless another salary is dumped up front. Don't know much about Morris, but with that kind of salary, expectations WILL be high.

Hes got potential, I just have it against him just because he was part of the Avs worst trade back in the day. Drury and Yelle to Calgary for him and a few others.

Looks like Kessel is toast unless some other moves come.

Whiskey tango foxtrot?

OH oh!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!...................no money for Kessel? WOWSERS! Whats next Chia?????????

Weird! But we did need defense. He's a puck moving defenseman that they needed. No Kessel unless they trade another forward. Thanks for the memories kess!

i dont like it

Did NOT see this coming! Knew Morris was out there but thought he was too rich for our team's pockets. Got to wonder where this leaves # 81 unless there is another domino yet to fall!

They're not trading Kessel, because if you're trading such an astounding natural goal-scorer, with the potential to be a 50-goal scorer, you are going to want a BIG return. And they won't be able to fit that return under the cap. They'll trade Kobasew for cap relief (they don't need another forward, so they'll take prospects and/or picks), and use the space to re-sign Kessel.

As for Morris's contract, that's pretty much the going rate for a puck-moving defenseman, and he was probably the best, youngest and healthiest one on the market. .

Don't like it.

Let me be more clear. I do like that the B's singed Morris. I think he is an upgrade from Ward and gives a little more toughness than Ward. Just don't understand what the hell is going to happen to Kessel. I mean what options are out there. If they trade Kessel it has to be a package with someone else to clear cap space for anyone coming back. I'd be very upset to see Kessel go.

Just a thought, but if Krecji is out for a month or so when the season stars can the B's be over the cap until he comes back? Just confused right now.

kessel ain't going anywhere. kobasew is on the trade block and will be done within days.

Hmmmmm, ok. Get rid of Ward, sign Morris. Get rid of Kobasew, you get Kessel for a year? i guess thats it

Looks like he has potential. With him, and Stuart on the blueline we now have _mobile_ size. Chara isn't as slow as some think, but he's not fast. Wideman is now the slowest dman on the team unless Boychuk is slower than i thought.
I'm assuming at this price they aren't going to put him into the 5/6 slot which leaves me wondering what the hell the they are gonna do for pairings.

When the B's have breakaway after breakaway next year, you'll like it. Instantly improves the transition game and can teach clowns like Stuart how to turn around and make the first move, will really contribute on 2nd PP unit. The guy's not too great in the corners though, I'd expect him to be a minus player by the end of the year.

As for Kessel being a potential 50-goal scorer, the next team that has him will be saying the same thing in five years..

Have to assume they'll be dumping someone else to make up for the remainder and what Kessel wants. We have some of the best forward depth in the league, so if we can dump someone and lose 2 mill it would be worth it to gain a potential 20 extra goals through Kessel.

Playing it dangerous though.

I heard about this earlier as a confirmed rumor, I admit that I was pretty excited...untill I saw the 3.3 mil. Wow,,,,,trading Ward makes pretty much zero sense to me now.

WTF is going on?

I really thought they would move Ward, and then use that money Kessel. I also didn't think Morris could net 3.3 million. I bet that either that figure is out of whack or he isn't come here. He is good, but not that good.

Huh? They dumped Ward, whom I liked a lot as a leader and as Big Z's partner, assumingly to clear space... then instead of getting a real offensive defensemen like Schneider or keeping Kessel, they spent MORE money on... Derek... Morris?

Chia... explain?

HATE this move; would rather have Ward. Morris is the most overrated D in the league! Have to think they are dealing Kessel or someone else for picks now...

Great move. Morris brings something else to the table. Predictability. We can count on Chara for 80 games. Wideman for 80. Stuart for 80. And now Morris for 75-80. That's huge. That's a defensive system that can refine and re-define the term "lockdown". It's like Deming used to preach, too many moving parts and you can't focus on quality. Morris brings us stability and predictability. He allows Ference and Hunwick, the smaller guys, to play third pairing minutes, and to last. I don't know who Morris' wingman is gonna be- Stuart, Ference or Hunwick. But if Stuart emerges, then Julien can put in a defensive plan to lockdown the opposing teams' top 2 or 3 lines. That's the evolution of the system. That's progress. We are a better team now because we can have a better strategy and know that we can execute it. Chara's line can take away the other team's top line. Morris should be able to handle the other teams' second. The best strategy in the world is no good if you can't execute it. Pair Stuart with Morris and lockdown opposing teams' second lines. And let Hunwick and Ference go wild against opposing teams' fourth lines... To get better as a team, we need players we can count on to be there and execute our strategy.. Morris is one of those guys. Hockey players don't just play 80 games because of luck- it takes a certain type of intensity, attention to detail and commitment. You have to do all of the little things. Ferociously. Good signing. Mixing and matching guys gets old. And you can't do advanced stuff.

Ok PC, who else is going byebye to make room for kessel? If you trade kessel, my cofidence won't be what it was in you.

Morris is an underachiever but for one year its ok I guess......They have no cap space now so they would have to give Kessel away for a draft pick which is a horrible move. He is worth way more than that.......Perhaps Kobasew or Sturm or Bergeron gets moved. Chia is on record as saying he is going to sign Kessel so I'll wait til all the pieces are in place before I blast him.

Awesome.

Kobasew trade, how much left to end the Kessel thing.

They were going to trade Kessel for a player like Morris anyways. Good move. Kessel will be reimbursed.

Every think he didn't want to come back to be traded? Who would?

I like the addition to our defense, but Kessel would have been my priority. Either Sturm, Kobasew, or Bergeron is going to have to be gone to make way for Kessel.... I don't like that one bit.

If he can put up numbers like he did with the Avs in 2002-2003, I'll be happy. But I still think Denis Seidenberg has more upside.
Have to wait and see on this one.

I think this sets up Kessel having to take Bruins best offer, probably $3.5 Million MAX 1 year-- and thats your team.
They uppgraded Defense clearly moving the high character but oft-injured Ward in return for a legit top 3 D-man who can move the puck.
Not quite the big upgrade overall I think we needed on the Blue Line.
Kessel will sign for soft money knowing if he nets 36 again--he gets a near 100% pay raise somewhere.
We increase flexibility for next season when there will be wholesale changes and when flexibility will be very important in deciding who we want to keep.

This is indeed way too much ... damn I had the Kessel hope as well when I saw Ward leave.
Even if Chiarelli makes another move or two to find room to sign Phil Morris is absolutely overpaid with 3.3Mio.
This guy (even fitting the needs on our blue line on paper since he is a good skater, puck mover) was/is in .. well what, a decade long slump now and underachieved big time for the last couple of years?
Ummpfzz the only good thing might be that I was really surprised when I saw Morris during his short stint with the Rangers last year when he made me wonder like ".. god must be the first good games I see of this guy in a while".
So keep the good play going Derek ..

My guess is they still trade Sturm/Kobesew/Kessel (two?) away to get another D (Kaberle?)...

Now we need to move a forward, perhaps Kobasew or Sturm. Considering Sturm's $ 3.5 salary & the fact that we were fine without him last season I'd say move him. Really like Sturm but somebody must go in order to re-sign Kessel.

Don't know much about Morris, but hopefully he lives up to the hype. I think it's a good move considering they've signed him for 800,000 more than Ward. #44 got old quick last season, his skating reminded me of Josef Stumpel & Glen Murray. Good move Chia, now sign #81. Go B's!

Please get the 5th of JD away from Chia!! I thought he was making room for Kessel. This brings me back to memories of Harry trades,

Derek Morris was a disappointment in Calgary, Colorado, Phoenix, and on the Rangers. What makes Chiarelli think he is going to be different here? Maybe he is wishing and hoping with only a little cap room to work with.

Considering Eaves's buyout number plus the $3.3m for Morris, and that adds up to about $3.5m, which is $1m more than Ward. Not sure if that is worth it, only time will tell.

I suspect Morris was only available because no one else would pay him that much. There were other less talented FA that signed contracts long ago. For less money, maybe Morris still had other offers on the table? I also wonder if any of his drop off in production is due to reduced PP ice time compared to his prime years.

We have our puck moving defensemen in Wideman and Hunwick. I don't get dumping Wardo for Morris and losing almost one million in your cap space (Net). My thought is they really can only sign Kessel to a one year deal cheap and resign next year. Stupid move if you ask me seeing you have Luc, Savvy, and Tukka (I dont mind Wheeler as much being gone unless he produces this year)

The only way I am thinking they could get Kess is via a trade up front which will maybe involve Kobasew. This leaves under $2 million to sign Kess. "Yes, yes he will be back" said Chiarelli when referencing Kessel. I dont know so much now.

Some other team is going to sign Kessel and Chiarelli is going to take the draft picks. What a mistake. There's no possible way they are going to sign him now. I just don't understand the move...

Nice upgrade from Ward, only 800k more..nice job Chia. Ward, good luck in Carolina, we enjoyed you here in Boston. Now move a forward & sign Kessel

This means Kobasew is gonna be moved. Great job PC...a more solid team then last year. Now just lock up Kessel!

Morris is a nice pickup and he is younger than Ward. I like this move even more if the Bruins find a way to sign Kessel.

Great pick, a younger fast moving D-Man who will make others feel his presence on the blue line.

Stop second guessing the GM, he put this team together you know.

Can the B's go back to players like Chara, Savard, Bergeron and ask if they'll re-structure their contracts to create cap space? The Pat's have done it over the years, not sure if the NHLPA union is set up to allow it.

Bad move getting Morris! The guy played way overweight with Phoenix.
They were so desperate to dump him at the trade deadline that they took 3 players that neither the Rangers or anyone else wanted.
What does Pete really think he he getting here? Just tying up 3.3mil!
Awful!

//Considering Sturm's $ 3.5 salary & the fact that we were fine without him last season I'd say move him//

Sturm has a NO TRADE CLAUSE and has said he will not waive it.

Chiarelli said when he traded Ward that the move was NOT meant to free cap space for Kessel, but that they were planning to aquire another defenseman.

If you actually listen to what peole say rather than make knee-jerk judgements and wild assumptions, you can really seem, you know, INFORMED.

Hate to say it but of the 3 left to move to make way for Kess (among Bergeron, Sturm, and Kobasew) I would move Bergeron. Love the guy but he has the biggest salary of the 3 and had the biggest drop off in game (not his fault). But this is looking more like a let kess go for draft picks move which as many have said is uber-stupid.

I hope Chia does whatever it takes to keep Kess and his 30+ goals and his killer speed and his unbelievable potential for upside as a mere 21 year old. Gotta keep this kid, PC!

everyone calling for sturm to be moved should understand the facts... he has a ntc and will not waive it. the only two possibilities i see happening at this point is a salary dump (im looking at you bergie, at 4.5 mill!!!) with prospects to a low cap team in exchange for other prospects, giving just enough room for kess to sign a one year, or, the other possibility is that kessel gets an offer, PC takes the pics, and we move on...

if kessel signs a one year deal does that really help build the future of this club? if anything its going to be the same headache next offseason trying to sign x number of guys without enough money to do so.

Gotta be another domino or two to fall.
Morris is 31 next season? I thought he was younger than that. At least its just a one year contract. Is he gonna partner with Chara ?
Let's see how he does on the 2nd PP unit.

Sturm isn't out, he has a no-trade clause and has stated he won't waive it. Kobasew next?

I think this is a solid pick up and an upgrade from Ward. Personally, I liked Aaron Ward a lot as a player. And just like every other B's fan, when they traded Ward I was psyched that maybe Kessel would be re-signed. I think PC knows exactly what he's doing. Give Morris a chance to prove himself in the black and gold. Nobody cares what he's done in the past, let's see how he does in 09-10. It's still gonna be an exciting team to watch and if they can dump some more salary and pick up Kessel again, who knows what this team is capable of accomplishing. They are certainly starting to be noticed around the NHL as an elite team. Regardless, i'm looking forward to watching these guys this season. It's a promising group, management said they were gonna be making some adjustments in the off-season, they have made some so far. Let's see how it turns out. Can't wait for October! GO BRUINS!!!!!

Everyone and their pets are Bruins fans now and need to wipe their stupid opinions off this page. Kessel is probably not going to resign and he probably doesn't want to. Nobody signs to get traded. Kessel will go somewhere, we'll get reimbursed with some draft picks, move on and win. All the goals Kessel scored are made up by having a healthy Sturm all year (hoping he does) and the addition of Mark Recchi for an entire season. Also don't forget the recovery of Bergeron and the continued improvement of our sophomore Wheeler. The Boston Bruins are still in great-shape and and Derek Morris is a fine addition. Anybody realize that Aaron Ward was ancient, could barely move and was EXTREMELY overpaid? Chuck Kobasew makes less then him, and if Kobasew needs to move, you are an idiot. Thjis guy is possibly the only guy on the team not afraid to get laid out. Which he does, but to make the right plays. He can score and he keeps getting better. He fights when he needs to and he's a great skater. Don't worry kid.

Apparently everyone thinks that Kessel is the answer to the B's winning the championship. Let's face facts here. Kessel benefits from playing with Savard, just like Cheechoo benefited from playing with Joe Thorton in San Jose. Cheechoo only scored 20 something goals last year when he stopped playing with Thorton. Kessel is the same player as Cheechoo. Quick, yes. Good shot, sure. A Bruin? Not so much. I could skate on a line with Savard and score 20 goals. It's not always about the shooter. As for the Morris signing, it has to be an improvement over the oft injured Ward. Not to mention he is was more mobile.

Is there an echo ine here Kobasew should be next gone, gone, gone. PC defenitly sent a message to Kessel yuor not getting 4 + Mil. At least not yet and not now.

Bergeron is not going anywhere pretty much fully recovered from the concussion and he will have a monster barring no illegal hits to the head. Oh wait have we did rid ourselves of a dirty loser ike Begin because we signed him. Sturm will also light it up this year as well playing for a contract. PC pretty much has 2 more things left to do.

I like this move, considering Ward is on the downhill of his career, not to mention he's injury prone...Way to go Chia!!!

Everyone thinks it going to be Kobasew. I still think there's a chance that Savard will be the one to go. If that happens they could sign Kessel easily.

To Ted -
The CBA does not allow restructuring of contracts. I'm not sure which side (players or mgt) wanted that language in the agreement, since it seems it could benefit both sides. Maybe there was a potential loophole if restructuring were allowed?

kess,berg for heatly. the math is pretty close. you heard it here first.

Kobasew's the type of player they want to keep around because of his style of play...though his salary is going to be tough to hold on to. I love the Morris signing, he's a great upgrade over Ward. Interesting to see what they do with Kessel now, I was certain when they traded Ward that they were using that money to sign Kessel. In Peter We Trust.

The Bruins are now $1.3 Million under the cap. If you just dump Kobasew's $2.3 million salary that leave's the Bruins $3.6 million under the cap. Rumors are that Kessel wants north of the $3.75 million that Krejci signed for next season. That being said if Kessel sticks to his demands, it is going to take more than just a dump of Kobasew's salary to get Kessel under contract.

Cheechoo only scored 12 goals last season - and to think he even rates in the same category of Kessel as far as speed is concerned is just insane.
I don't think Savard will go just because of the cap hit of 5 million. I do believe he won't be re-signed so that will free up some cap space.
Let's face it. Other than the hiring of Dave Lewis as coach has Chiarelli made many grave mistakes? Just like we do with B.B., In Chia We Trust

In a cost-cutting move, Jeremy Jacobs fired Peter Chiarelli today, after finding out that lots and lots of people on the Boston Globe message boards were actually GM's-in-waiting, fully versed in trade propositions and the NHL salary cap, as well as methods to dump salary in order to re-sign Phil Kessel. It turns out these GM's-in-waiting were also fully plugged in to EJ Hradek's rumor mill and could therefore find out the inside scoop on competing teams' strategies.

I'm very happy that there's a lot of people talking hockey now, but leave the playing to the players, the coaching to the coaches and the managing to the managers.

Guys.... please stop talking about trading Sturm.... It won't happen, it shouldn't happen, it doesn't need to happen. The guy was projected to score over 30 goals last year before his skate caught a rut and he missed the rest of the season. Most of Kessel's production would be taken up by Sturm, who brings a complete game package, is loved by the guys and has a no-trade clause. Chucky is the guy to go. Love him too, but take his 2.3 mil salary add it to the 1.3 M left under the cap. There's 3.6 M right there for another look at Kessel for a year and you have all the firepower you need, plus an upgrade on D from an older stay at home vet to a younger, more mobile puck-miver. It's a good move.

Chiarelli's first action was firing Dave Lewis.

I'm guessing that the next time we make a move to clear space that if Phil Kessel doesn't sign on the line that's dotted, during a fairly short window, that he'll be heading out the door. Here's to hoping he doesn't have to find out how hard it is to score 40 goals on a second tier team that only has one scoring line. He's got a good situation here- opposing teams can't focus on taking him away because we roll three strong lines. PC could make an example of him and send him to the hockey's equivalent of Siberia: Long Island.

I don't understand the love for Ward - he was useless last year & benefitted immensely from playing with Z. Those who think Kessel did not contribute in the playoffs should stop doing drugs & look at the facts. He stretches the ice on the transition & you cannot teach natural speed. He certainly contributed more to the team than Ward. I am happy to see him go - ZERO contribution in the playoffs & probably the most embarrasing fight (or lack thereof in Bruins history). I am sure he was good on the talk shows though - so lets keep him - NOT!!!

I wanted to use the money on Kessel - think we overpaid for Morris. Do not want to see Kobasew gone - like his energy.

Hopefully, Kessel is still in the plans, but got a good d-man in Morris. Better than Ward. A little on the slow side, but very sure-handed with the puck. Numbers aren't great, but he will make the long pass to hit the forward breaking through the neutral zone right on the tape. Tough, physical defender. Good guy in the locker room.

Morris is a 1 year deal. kessel can be signed to a contract heavier on the back end , keeping you under the cap til trades/retirements /end of contracts can make things work themselves out. Even a dolt like Chiarelli can figure this one out { or can he?}

Mamba. Smartest guy I've ever seen on this blog.

One more year before all hell brakes loose.Savard needs some speed with him.Last year Ryder was the answer for him.Guess what? it didnt work,he is too slow.4 mill?????????? and he dose not have 1st line speed to play with Savard.Savard is a gift for 1 more year,lets make it good folks!

Derek Morris is an extremely overrated and overpaid player. He was a joke in Colorado and the trade for him was the beginning of a major downhill slide for the Avalanche. If the Bruins have to let Kessel go because the money was used on Morris, Chiarelli will regret it for a long time. Losing Kessel because of Morris is just like losing another great American cornerstone- Chris Drury - for this bum. Pierre Lacroix used the same reasoning in that trade and boy was he dead wrong. Drury is worth every penny paid to him and Morris is not very good. Kessel is a tremendous talent who may have holes in his game but he's much younger than Morris and has a TON of more upside. Kessel might not be a very good defensivie player but neither is Morris and he''s a defenseman!

Lets be proud of Timmy and Kess next year !!!!!!

Anyone know what Kessel is asking for? PC may know he can't get him signed and is putting together a trade with a team or teams to get a return on Kessel. I like Kess and I'd hate to see him go but sometimes ya gotta do what ya gotta do.

pack your bags peter you've managed to destroy our vetern core and have no interest in signing kessel nor should you but dumping yelle pj and ward to placate a kid is just wrong smith for kessel let kessel rot in la sign julian and just resign . if your any kind of man leave everything in cam and ray's hands.your an abject failure this comes from a b's fan of 35 years we took two steps forward in your tenure and in one off-season we've taken 5 steps back. quit while your ahead pc the nhl's answer to george costaza. phil kessel like raycroft lacher janney and juenua we'll all flashes in the pan . kessel hit play the corners or have any type of a two w

work rate to say we should dump patrice for a player who hates in here is overeaching and dead wrong i'd rather have a hurt chuck and patrice that shouder injury was way to convient? but he'll get his money won't he pc! very sickening post this is an end to post 73

I dont think you guys realize how valuable someone like Kobasew is. The guy is young, can score 20 goals and plays with that huge physical edge. A healthy Sturm and with Bergeron improving like he has shown they can easily make up Kessels goals. 30 for Sturm and 20 for Bergy. Its ok pink hat fans!

Hey Chris Bell...
What the Hell are you saying?....stop chewing on your tongue and spit it out boy! Your beating up on P.C for no reason...the man took a rotten orginization of 3 years ago and turned it in to a place where veteran players are now wanting to play for..He's done a good job so buzz off dude! I'm sure all you P.C bashing Bozo's have never made mistakes right?...right!! He's done a good job, and I have faith that he'll continue on the right path...As long as we have Claude behind the bench and P.C making the moves we are in good hands....so chew on your fat tongue with that one.........

chris bell, not only can you not write a coherent sentence, but you're dead wrong. "Destroy our veteran core"? What on EARTH are you talking about? You can't sign Axelsson to a long-term contract with the depth and youth they have at forward. Yelle is moving on for more money and is more than adequately replaced by a bigger, stronger, cheaper Begin, and Ward, as much as I love the guy, is 36 years old, injury-prone, and getting slower by the day.

Two steps forward and five steps back?! Did you WATCH this past season? The Bruins have the best coach, defenseman and goalie in the league. They had something like four of the top five players in plus/minus. They have a budding superstar in David Krejci, and a sniper in Phil Kessel. They have one of the best young goalies in the world working in at backup to the Vezina winner. They have a couple of young stud defensemen in Stuart and Hunwick. They were the top team in the East last year, and with better health and more experience, are a legitimate Stanley Cup contenter.

Cam and Ray's hands? WTH? Neely was HIRED by Chiarelli, and Ray Bourque doesn't work for the Bruins (though he may pop in now and then), if that's who you're referring to. Do you seriously think Cam Neely, though a good guy and undoubtedly a good judge of talent, is going to know how to maneuver the cap better than a Havard-trained economist? He'd probably laugh at the very idea.

Good grief

And for those advocating a trade of Marc Savard, he also has a NO TRADE CLAUSE. Please, educate yourselves.

kessel swallows something small for a year, becomes unrestricted after this year, can chase the big money. Chia, this makes you good for a year, 'til another young defenseman gets set, kessel, bergeron get big money. Faith in the system, gotta have it.

Stunning move. So, they dealt Ward and will let Kessel walk or try to deal him for cheap scrubs or picks, for Derek Morris? Tough call here. Glad I don't have to make it, but this seems a little pricey for a career underachiever like Morris. He's been tossed from 4 organizations for a reason. I am intrigued by the ability of the Def corps now though. Wideman, Stuart, Hunwick and now Morris are all under 30 and all effective NHL players at different points. Chara is still in his prime and Ference is very solid. Interesting mix, I'll say that. Not sure it's worth losing Kessel over though. They may feel Sturm and Recchi have more value than Kessel. both in

Here it is: Kessel is out for the first month of the season anyway because of his shoulder surgery. The last two years we have seen a significant rookie (Lucic and Wheeler) make the team out of training camp thus reducing payroll. Also, the last two years we have seen a major injury in the first month of the season (Bergeron and Sturm) again reducing payroll. There is no need to do anything with Kessel until the end of training camp. Also, I doubt a team will make him an offer anyway because of the economics the next few years.

why don't we all stop complaining and see how morris fits into the bruins system?

when pc signed ryder last year, a lot of people thought that it was a terrible signing.. and look what ryder did for the bruins. he was incredible!

whether the bruins sign kessel or not, i still like this team. i wont judge it though until i see how they play.... for all i know, last years season could have been a "one and done" type of season

You can't allow restructuring of contracts. If you did teams would pressure players to do it, and the CBA would be meaningless.

Morris is a good signing.....do you think that he will improve this year skating next to Chara?

Basically a Ward for Morris trade. Morris has better wheels Plus he hits......

Guys,

We just got a 30 year old Morris and a fourth round pick for a 36, going quickly on 40, year old Ward. We have a great lineup now without even considering Kessel, who is a great problem/assest to have. Other teams would love to have the "prolems" the Bs have. Let PC and his staff worry about the cap details. Relax and enjoy the best assembly of Bs talent since the mid-70s.

Morris isn't the greatest D in the league but he is a definite upgrade in terms of speed, puck movement and shot over Ward. I loved Aaron's toughness and grit but he is oft-injured and 36 and we can't count on him making it through another season. I do wish him the best however except when he plays against us.

On Kessel. Chiarelli doesn't have to do a thing because Kessel is recovering from surgery and won't be ready until Thanksgiving or possibly Christmas. Kreciji too is recovering from surgery and will not start the season. So it is very likely that a deal won't get done before the puck drops for keeps. And it might be a sign and trade at that point because clubs will know what they have and don't have and can do a cap
'fit' to acquire Kessel and deal young players and picks.

Mark08 - agreeed - I really like this signing. Top 4 D-man they needed badly. Kess will be gone unless another salary dump is made. As-is I love this team right now. Tough team that has now improved there biggest weakness in the playoffs - balanced scoring spread over 3 very strong lines and GREAT goaltending. Can't wait for the season to start!

This series of trade and sign are the moves that keep the Bruins lagging behind the other New England sports teams...

in respone to posts 76 and 77; both of your are severely lacking in the knowledge not only in reguard to what makes a good hockey team veteran presents actually playing defense and your both under the dilusion that kessel will be signed which has never been pc's priority . so what he went to havard and majored on economics to me that makes him jj's bean counter you re-sign your vets for two more years after walking away from kessel pre july 1 he doesn't play defense or play in the corners and where's julian's new deal ! newflash he's not getting one and yes cam and ray or the men to run the b's phil and derek refuse to play d morris ch

Even without Kessel, this team is better than last year IMO. A healthy Sturm should give them around 30 goals plus significantly more assists than Kessel, not to mention better play in the corners and out in front of the net. Morris addresses Ward's injury history & age while bringing a better offensive skill set to the table, the number two goalie is an upgrade (again, IMO), and Begin gives more speed than PJ had at this point in his career though I'm not familiar with his PK abilities. I wouldnt be too broken up about putting this team out there on opening night, but don't be surprised to see both Kessel and another player (kobasew?) packaged in some manner for another surprising name. Kovalchuk, anyone...?

Bouncer,

Please explain how subtracting the cap hit of Kobasew at 2.33 million and the none existent cap hit of Kessel allows room for the cap hit of 7.5 million for Kovalchuk? I'm not a mathematician, but a quick glance says that puts us over the cap more than 3 million. Do we send Krejci along or maybe Ryder? And do you think that the three of them are going to put as many backsides in seats as Ilya in Atlanta? The dude's averaged more than a point a game in his career, and on a team that has sucked most of those years.

dave and ryder for another guy who won't hit or take one . sounds like kessel to me just do that! to phil and ila all that matters is the offensive end.