Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

Peter Chiarelli signs Tuukka Rask to 2-year extension

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November 6

Boston Herald

"Peter Chiarelli may not have been able to keep a recalcitrant Phil Kessel in the fold once the speedy forward got to restricted free agency last summer, but he made sure yesterday that goaltender Tuukka Rask would not be flying the coop any time soon. Rask, who was scheduled to become a restricted free agent next summer, was inked to a two-year deal that will pay him $1 million in 2010-11 and $1.5 million in 2011-12. Chiarelli also took care of Milan Lucic, who was also scheduled to become an RFA this summer, with a multiyear deal earlier this season. "I guess you've got to change with the times," said Chiarelli, concerning the consummation of deals in-season. "To a certain extent, I went ..."

Shanahan is old news

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October 23

Boston Globe

"The Bruins have holes to fill in their lineup, especially up front where this week they lost Milan Lucic (fractured finger) and Marc Savard (broken bone in foot) for most, if not all, of next month. What to do? For now, general manager Peter Chiarelli has patched the roster with one trade, acquiring forward Daniel Paille from the Sabres, plus with a boatload of minor leaguers. Newcomers Paille, Trent Whitfield, Brad Marchand, and Vladimir Sobotka all suited up last night vs. the Flyers. As for veteran relief, the pickings are slim. One of the few names available is 39-year-old Brendan Shanahan, the aged power forward who is an unrestricted free agent after failing to catch on this season ..."

Sabres move forward without Paille

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October 21

Buffalo News

"The Buffalo Sabres have played the Boston Bruins 245 times during the regular season, most of any opponent. They have met eight times in the playoffs, producing some of the more memorable moments in Sabres history. But until Tuesday, the 39-year-old rivals had never made a trade of players under contract. Daniel Paille changed that. The Sabres, faced with a logjam at left wing, sent Paille to the Bruins in exchange for two draft picks. The Sabres will receive Boston's third-round selection in the 2010 entry draft and a conditional fourth-round pick next June. Paille set a career high with 19 goals two seasons ago but has slid down the depth chart since. He dipped to 12 goals last year, and ..."

Claude Julien tries realignment

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October 15

Boston Herald

"The earth didn't exactly open up and swallow the Bruins yesterday, but things did get shaken up a bit for the underachieving club. Coach Claude Julien, his team having delivered just one strong and honest performance in five games, made changes on the first two lines as the club prepped for its first road trip of the season starting tomorrow night in Dallas against the Stars. Milan Lucic was dropped from the first trio to the second, joining center David Krejci and Blake Wheeler, with the latter hopping from the left wing back to the right. Michael Ryder moved up to play with center Marc Savard and Marco Sturm, who shifted from the right wing back to the left side. "Never a bad thing," ..."

Deal a good sign for Milan Lucic, Bruins

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October 8

Boston Herald

"Milan Lucic certainly was the man of the hour at Ristuccia Arena yesterday, the day after he signed a three-year, $12.25 million contract extension that will have him unleashing his thunder for the Bruins through the 2012-13 season. "He's your prototypical Bruin," center and linemate Marc Savard said of Lucic. "We all love him here, and obviously the fans do, too." B's general manager Peter Chiarelli, who has been candid on his dislike of the massive new "second" contracts now bloating payrolls across the NHL - contracts exactly like Lucic's new deal - nonetheless expressed delight at having the big winger locked up. "His skill set, his character set, his physicality, they're all just ..."

Milan Lucic earns three-year extension

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October 7

Boston Herald

"General manager Peter Chiarelli scratched one major item off his long to-do list for next summer. Chiarelli yesterday announced a three-year contract extension for power forward Milan Lucic, which will keep the enormously popular 21-year-old in a Bruins uniform through the 2012-13 season. Lucic's new deal is worth $12.25 million, an average of more than $4 million per season and a tidy raise from his $685,000 base salary for 2009-10. The extension does not affect Lucic's salary cap hit for this season. "Lucic is a great young player," Chiarelli said. "This is a good deal for him and, in turn, we certainly are lucky to have him." In 2008-09, his second pro season, Lucic had 17 goals, 42 ..."

Krejci probable for Thursday

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September 29

Boston Globe

"David Krejci, out the entire preseason, is expected to be in the lineup on Thursday. Krejci made it through practice today, centering Blake Wheeler and Michael Ryder, and said he's feeling good. Marco Sturm, slowed by a groin injury, is also aiming to be ready on Thursday. Sturm skated on the No. 1 line with Marc Savard and Milan Lucic."

Hamill, Marchand assigned

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September 28

Boston Globe

"The Bruins have assigned Zach Hamill and Brad Marchand to Providence. The Bruins have 22 players remaining in camp. The assignment of Hamill indicates that David Krejci might have a good shot to be in the lineup on Thursday for the regular-season opener. Hamill was under consideration to serve as the temporary No. 2 center until Krejci was ready to go."

Little new on Phil Kessel

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September 18

Boston Herald

"At the "State of the Bruins" town hall-style meeting before 2,700 season ticket-holders last night at TD Garden, general manager Peter Chiarelli was asked about the status of the Phil Kessel impasse. Chiarelli did not break any news on the matter. "I've been asked about 1,000 times (about Kessel) the last three weeks," Chiarelli said of the free agent winger, whom the B's have been unable to re-sign and who is expected to be traded before the end of the month. "Whenever there is a player of that caliber and youth who we drafted, obviously we want to keep that player. It's unfortunate we haven't been able to sign this player, because he is a valuable member of our team." Chiarelli ..."

Predators pursue Bruins' Phil Kessel

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September 17

Tennessean

"The Predators have offered a combination of draft picks and prospects to Boston for forward Phil Kessel, General Manager David Poile said Wednesday. Now it's time to see whether Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli chooses to deal Kessel to the Predators, to another team or - less likely - re-sign him. "I certainly believe in being aggressive and persistent and going after what I want. But I've made it clear what we can do,'' Poile said. "It's fairly apparent what other teams are doing.'' There have been reports saying Toronto is willing to give up two first-round draft picks and a second-rounder for Kessel. "If (Chiarelli) gets two firsts and a second, he's getting really good compensation,'' Poile ..."

Phil Kessel trade likely

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September 17

Boston Herald

"Because of the looming threat the Bruins will not be able to match an offer sheet for free agent Phil Kessel, two well-placed sources in Toronto said the team is close to pulling off a blockbuster trade involving the 21-year-old sniper. According to the sources, the deal likely will be finalized within the next week, as four teams are in the running. Toronto and Nashville have made the best offers in talks with B's general manager Peter Chiarelli. Minnesota and the New York Rangers also are in the mix. The Bruins hoped all along to keep Kessel but could not re-sign him despite making a lucrative offer, so they are close to getting what they can for him and moving on. "We're obviously at an ..."

Agent's presence fuels trade talk

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September 14

Toronto Sun

"Wade Arnott represents plenty of NHL players but his presence at the opening on-ice sessions of Maple Leafs training camp certainly raised some eyebrows. Arnott, who is based in the GTA, represents Boston's unrestricted free agent, Phil Kessel, a player Leafs general manager Brian Burke has openly admitted he'd like to acquire. While trade talks with the Bruins reportedly are heating up, the fact that Arnott spent time at the Leafs' new practice facility talking with Burke's right-hand man, Dave Nonis, certainly adds to the intrigue. There are a handful of teams interested in acquiring Kessel, though it is believed he favours the Leafs. As a restricted free agent, the Leafs could make ..."

Kiss Kessel goodbye

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September 14

Boston Globe

"Just hours before the Bruins skated yesterday at the Garden for their first bona fide training camp workout, the ever-active rumor mill in Toronto had the Maple Leafs tabling the best offer yet for Boston free agent Phil Kessel. To wit: for a pair of first-round picks and one second-round pick, Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli could be free at last from his summer '09 migraine, and the 21-year-old Kessel could call southern Ontario home. "Partially true,'' said one source familiar with the talks between the teams, which have been going on for more than two weeks. "Toronto also wants a third-rounder along with Kessel.''"

Predators covet Boston Bruins scorer

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September 13

Tennessean

"He's a 21-year-old restricted free agent who has 55 goals over the past two seasons, and the Predators are in need of offensive help. So it would only make sense that Nashville would have an interest in Boston forward Phil Kessel. Predators General Manager David Poile confirmed as much on Friday, saying he's talked with Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli and Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, in recent days. "He's a young player that scores goals,'' Poile said, "and that's very much of interest to us.'' The Bruins still hold the rights to Kessel, meaning they could match any offer made by another team. But the Bruins are considering trading Kessel because they are less than $2 million under the NHL ..."

Leafs move to front of line for Kessel

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September 12

Toronto Sun

"Brian Burke is American, but seems to have adopted that old Royal Canadian Mounted Police credo to always get your man. The Maple Leafs general manager's dogged pursuit of Phil Kessel that began in June has intensifed to where Toronto now is the leading candidate to land the Boston Bruins winger, through trade rather than a restricted free agent signing. While Kessel's agent, Wade Arnott, yesterday denied reports in the Boston media that the door is closed on re-signing there, the Bruins' dicey salary cap situation, its willingness to deal Kessel at the draft to the Leafs and, more recently in talks with Toronto, Nashville and the Rangers likely means he is moving."

Will Leafs cough up to get Kessel?

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September 11

Toronto Star

"The lingering suspicion that Phil Kessel is no longer interested in being part of the Boston Bruins is now confirmed. But that doesn't make him any closer to becoming a Maple Leaf. At least, not yet. Sources told the Boston Globe yesterday that Kessel won't conduct any more negotiations on a new contract with the Bruins, and really, that's no big surprise. To many, the inability of the speedy winger to come to terms with the club over the past three months has been partly about money, and partly about no longer wanting to play in Boston."

Landing Kessel won't be easy

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September 10

Toronto Sun

"Two major obstacles remain for the Maple Leafs or any team trying to sign or trade for Boston Bruins winger Phil Kessel. He has a shoulder injury that won't heal until November. And Boston general manager Peter Chiarelli is expected to match any offer sheet for the restricted free agent -- or try to make other trades and get under the NHL cap to accommodate Kessel's anticipated $4-million US-plus salary request. The New York Rangers head a list of teams also interested in Kessel, likely via a trade. While the Leafs have the needed first, second and third-round picks to make the bold RFA signing, they could package one of those picks and one or more of their surplus defencemen as part of ..."

Bruins' Phil Kessel offers Leafs real talent

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September 10

Boston Herald

"Will the Toronto Maple Leafs attempt to take free agent winger Phil Kessel away from the Bruins? It may or may not happen, but either way it's the worst-kept secret in Canada that Maple Leafs general manager Brian Burke is very seriously exploring the idea of an offer sheet for Kessel. Kessel and the B's are far apart on a contract. The team has only some $1.7 million left under the salary cap; Kessel is probably seeking a deal worth at least the $3.75 million David Krejci will average over the next three years in his new pact, maybe significantly more. Burke has been candid in his desire to add talent up front, and the acquisition of 36-goal scorer Kessel, either via an offer sheet or ..."

Burke still trying to reel in Phil Kessel

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September 7

Toronto Star

"Brian Burke won't appreciate the comparison, not one bit. But there's a little Jim Balsillie in the Maple Leaf hockey boss. Boston Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli, you see, is no longer interested in transferring scoring winger Phil Kessel to the Leafs via trade. What might have made sense to Chiarelli in June at the entry draft has been obliterated by the reality that having his team have to deal with Kessel six times a year within in the division isn't particularly attractive."

Maple Leafs in position to take a run at Kessel

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September 6

Boston Globe

"Bruin Phil Kessel, almost dealt to the Maple Leafs in June, soon could be fitted for a Toronto sweater. The question is: Will the Leafs once again try to pry Kessel away via a trade, or will Toronto general manager Brian Burke opt instead to extend an offer sheet to the fourth-year right wing, who last season scored a career-high 36 goals?"

Teams showing interest in Kessel

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September 3

Boston Globe

"The Bruins, up against the salary-cap ceiling and faced with an uphill challenge to re-sign Phil Kessel, are speaking with several teams about trading the 21-year-old restricted free agent, according to a league source. "More than one team is very interested,'' said the source. General manager Peter Chiarelli didn't offer any insight on a possible trade. "I don't comment on contract negotiations,'' said Chiarelli. "But we really would like to get Phil in the mix. You don't come across players like this very often. It's hard to come by players with this skill. We believe there's still a lot of growth to his game.'' Wade Arnott, Kessel's agent, declined to comment on a possible destination ..."

Bruins trade Ward for Eaves and draft pick ... then place Eaves on waivers

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July 24

Boston Globe

"Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced today that the club has acquired right wing Patrick Eaves and a fourth round pick in the 2010 NHL Entry Draft from the Carolina Hurricanes in exchange for defenseman Aaron Ward. After acquiring Eaves, the club has placed Eaves on waivers for the purpose of buying him out. Eaves, 25, just completed his fourth pro season following a three-year college career at Boston College where he twice earned All-American and Hockey East All-Star honors (2004, 2005). Drafted by Ottawa as their first pick, 29th overall, in the 2003 NHL Entry Draft, he played his first two-plus seasons in the Senators organization."

Peter Chiarelli quiet on Phil Kessel rumors

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July 16

Boston Herald

"Mum was the word on Phil Kessel trade rumors at yesterday's press conference to announce the Bruins-Flyers Winter Classic game at Fenway Park on New Year's Day. "I don't comment on rumors," B's general manager Peter Chiarelli said. The right winger's name has been floated in potential trades for a second straight offseason. The most notable this year was a draft night deal with Toronto that would have sent defenseman Tomas Kaberle to the Bruins. The 21-year-old Kessel became a restricted free agent July 1. He has stayed in Boston this summer after undergoing shoulder surgery following the B's Game 7 second-round playoff loss to Carolina. Center David Krejci, who is rehabbing from May hip ..."

Kessel-to-Leafs deal is off the table

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July 4

Toronto Sun

"Maple Leafs GM Brian Burke is not about to book Phil Kessel a flight to Toronto. Burke reported yesterday that a deal between the Leafs and the Boston Bruins, which would have seen Toronto defenceman Tomas Kaberle head to Boston for the high-scoring Kessel, is not on the table anymore, at least not at this point. In fact, Burke added that interest in Kaberle's services, once very high, has cooled down. Kessel, 21, is a restricted free agent, meaning that the Bruins can match any offer sheet he receives from other NHL clubs, and reportedly is looking for something in the neighbourhood of $5 million US. The Bruins, however, quickly are running out of cap space and probably would have to ..."

Ex-rival to Begin anew in Boston

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July 2

Boston Herald

"During the 1980s, there were few players Boston fans despised more passionately than Ken "The Rat" Linseman and Chris "Knuckles" Nilan. Yet when each was acquired by the Bruins [team stats], he became an immediate fan favorite at the old Garden. If local pucks fans could kiss and make up with world class villains like that pair, developing a fondness for Steve Begin shouldn't be too hard. The Bruins yesterday added the Rat-like former Montreal Canadiens and Dallas Stars center, signing the unrestricted free agent to a one-year, $850,000 deal. The B's also re-signed free agent forward Byron Bitz to a multi-year pact, while giving AHL defenseman Johnny Boychuk a one-year deal. "It is true ..."

Kessel stays put for now

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June 30

Boston Globe

"The Bruins had a deal in place Friday to ship right winger Phil Kessel, their high-scoring restricted free agent, to the Maple Leafs for veteran defenseman Tomas Kaberle, just the kind of skilled, minutes-crunching blue liner who could make Boston a bona fide contender to be an Eastern Conference playoff champion, maybe even a Stanley Cup champion, next spring. But like many well-prepared meals, garnish and presentation are so often the key, and the Kessel-for-Kaberle deal crumbled because Toronto didn't have as many trimmings on the plate as the Bruins initially believed. According to sources on both sides of the deal who had first-hand knowledge of the negotiations, the Bruins arrived at ..."

Bruins, NHL tiptoe into start of free agency

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June 30

Boston Herald

"In a normal year, noon tomorrow would be the start of the NHL's annual rite of self-destruction. The opening of the free agent market in years past annually signaled an epidemic of profligate and uncontrolled spending. As NHL revenues went up and up, so did teams' willingness to lavish obscene contracts on unrestricted free agents with very good timing. This summer turns out not to be such a great time to become a UFA, not with the uncertain fiscal future the league faces, which is universally expected to include a significant drop in income during the 2009-10 season and a commensurate decrease in the salary cap the following season. It is expected to be a rare year of fiscal conservatism, ..."

Kaberle-Kessel package discussed

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June 26

Toronto Sun

"The Tomas Kaberle sweepstakes are getting hot and heavy, with the Boston Bruins apparently leading the charge. The Bruins have offered young forward Phil Kessel to the Maple Leafs as part of a package that would see Kaberle shipped to Beantown. The reported offer had the Bruins dangling Kessel for Kaberle and the Leafs first-round pick, No. 7 overall. That pick, however, is a stumbling block, as the Leafs do not want to include it in the package. "The No. 7 pick is not in play," a Leaf source said this morning. When asked about a potential Kessel-for-Kaberle package earlier today, Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli replied: "No comment." With Leafs general manager Brian Burke having ..."

Bruins, Leafs talk Kessel-For-Kaberle

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June 26

Boston Globe

"The Bruins and Maple Leafs late last night discussed the possibility of a Phil Kessel-for-Tomas Kaberle swap, but according to a source familiar with the discussion between the teams' respective general managers, the conversation did not include the Leafs sending the No. 7 overall pick in tonight's NHL draft here to Boston. ''Not a chance that's happening,'' said the source in reference to the No. 7 pick. ''Wasn't offered, and there isn't a chance the Leafs do that deal.'' A tsn.ca report posted earlier today had it that the Bruins offered Kessel for Kaberle and the No. 7. However, the Bruins again have put Kessel on the table--as they did at the league's March 4 trade deadline--and he ..."

Kessel to Toronto?

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June 26

Boston Globe

"Boston's interest in acquiring Tomas Kaberle, reported here on Boston.com last night, took an interesting twist here today when TSN.ca's Bob McKenzie reported that the Bruins have offered Phil Kessel to the Leafs for Kaberle and the Leafs' seventh pick in tonight's NHL draft here at the Bell Center. Peter Chiarelli, the Bruins general manager, did not return at email last night when asked about Boston's interest in acquiring Kaberle, the 31-year-old Czech-born backliner. McKenzie is among the most reliable hockey reporters/sources in Canada, giving credence to Boston's alleged offer. Burke is also a former TSN employee, having worked there in a number of roles over the years. Kessel, who ..."

Bruins look to move up

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June 26

Boston Globe

"Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli, maintaining that he still has his eye on a couple of players in tonight's draft, remained keen yesterday on moving up in the first round for a chance to land one of them. "I've got three teams I'm talking with,'' said Chiarelli. "These are three teams that are willing to move down.'' The Bruins currently hold the No. 25 pick. Chiarelli, while unwilling to specify what teams he talked to, said the proposed moves were in the range that could improve Boston's draft spot by upward of 10 picks. The clubs in that neighborhood include Anaheim (15), Columbus (16), St. Louis (17), Montreal (18), and the Rangers (19). The Bruins have often talked trade with ..."

What's Kessel worth?

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June 26

Boston Globe

"If all of the rumors swirling around here yesterday come true, Vincent Lecavalier will be traded to the Canadiens today, Jay Bouwmeester will cut a long-term deal with the Flyers, and Dany Heatley will land in Los Angeles with his bag of hat tricks. On a hot June afternoon in La Belle Provence, the NHL hot stove ran a Paris Hilton kind of hot. Meanwhile, Phil Kessel? Well, he sort of got lost in the sexier media frenzy here on the eve of the NHL draft. Kessel remains Boston property, subject to his restricted free agent rights, and nothing that Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said yesterday made it sound as if Kessel's situation is going to change soon. "I think you'll see us ..."

Peter Chiarelli stays calm amid active trade talk

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June 26

Boston Herald

"Dany Heatley very well could have a new employer before tonight is over. Unrestricted free agent Jay Bouwmeester could be part of a trade-and-sign scenario. And the rumors about Vincent Lecavalier being dealt just won't go away. But will Phil Kessel or any other high-profile Bruin be on the move? Keep in mind that, once the NHL draft begins tonight at 7 at the Bell Centre and feverish play for talent kicks in, things tend to happen. But as of yesterday, B's general manager Peter Chiarelli didn't think he'd be involved in anything big, at least not this weekend. "My sense is no," said Chiarelli. "I don't have any imminent trades. I just don't." Chiarelli also said he hasn't asked his ..."

Sources say NHL has selected Flyers to play Bruins in New Year's Day game

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June 25

Philadelphia Daily News

"The NHL isn't expected to make an official announcement until it releases its 2009-10 schedule on July 15, but according to sources, the Flyers will play on New Year's Day in the third Winter Classic.The Flyers were unofficially told this week that they would be the Bruins' opponent at Fenway Park in Boston.Earlier this week, reports indicated that the Washington Capitals would take the ice against the Bruins, but that changed at midweek, the sources said.Flyers president Peter Luukko said yesterday that the team had not been given any official word. "We've not been confirmed, but we certainly would love the opportunity to play in the game," he said.The league was pushing for a ..."

Flyers vs. Bruins at Fenway

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June 24

Philadelphia Inquirer

"All signs are pointing toward the Flyers playing the Boston Bruins at Fenway Park on Jan. 1 in the NHL's third annual Winter Classic. Peter Luukko, Comcast-Spectacor president, said today that the NHL has not informed him that the Flyers will be the Bruins' opponent."

Sources: Flyers told they'll play at Fenway

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June 24

Philadelphia Daily News

"The league hasn't announced its decision and is playing its cards close to the chest, but every indication today points to the Flyers playing in the NHL Winter Classic in Fenway Park on New Year's Day. According to sources, the decision might not be made until July 15, as league spokesman Frank Brown said last night, but the Flyers have been unofficially told that they will be in."

Heatley gives Sens wishlist

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June 24

Ottawa Sun

"Dany Heatley has told the Senators where he wants to go. But if the Senators can't trade him before a $4-million (all terms US) bonus kicks in on July 1, they may tell him where to go. Senators GM Bryan Murray expects talks will heat up this week at the NHL draft in Montreal as several league sources confirmed Heatley's agents have given the club a wishlist of up to 10 teams. But there could be some flexibility -- he may agree to go somewhere not listed. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents J.P. Barry and Stacey ..."

Something may be up

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June 24

Boston Globe

"Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said yesterday that he'd like to move up a slot or two in the first round of the NHL draft Friday night in Montreal. The Bruins hold the No. 25 pick in the draft, and Chiarelli said they have identified a player that might be available slightly ahead of their current position. "Our guys have an eye on one player,'' noted Chiarelli. "I don't know if we'll get him.'' Chris Kreider, the standout winger from Boxford who is slated to enter Boston College this fall, could be the player the Bruins have targeted. Kreider, ranked the 14th-best skater in North America by the NHL's Central Scouting Bureau, likely will be chosen in the thick of the first round, ..."

Heatley gives Senators wish list of destinations

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June 23

Toronto Sun

"Dany Heatley has told the Ottawa Senators where he wants to go. But if the Senators can't trade him before a $4-million US bonus kicks in on July 1, they may tell him where to go. Senators general manager Bryan Murray expects talks will heat up this week at the NHL draft in Montreal as several league sources confirmed Heatley's agents have given the club a wish list of up to 10 teams. But there could be some flexibility -- he may agree to go somewhere not listed. Sources told Sun Media the Los Angeles Kings, New York Rangers, San Jose Sharks, Detroit Red Wings, Chicago Blackhawks, Vancouver Canucks and Boston Bruins were among the teams submitted to Murray by Heatley's agents, J.P. Barry ..."

Heatley still a hot ticket, NHL exec says

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June 15

Ottawa Citizen

"At least one National Hockey League executive says Ottawa Senators left-winger Dany Heatley remains an extremely marketable commodity, believing the two-time 50-goal scorer can turn the trick a third time. "He still had some pretty good numbers last season (39 goals and 34 assists), and he played pretty well," said the executive, who agreed Sunday to discuss the options facing Senators general manager Bryan Murray on condition of anonymity. "Logic would tell you that he can perform better if he's happy. If he was unhappy in Ottawa, he might do a lot better somewhere else. He's a major asset. Of course there's the uncertainty of the salary cap going forward (the current team limit of $56.7 ..."

Getting real with Kessel

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June 14

Boston Globe

"Now that David Krejci has his new deal in place, what will the Bruins pay Phil Kessel? The answer from Causeway Street as the weekend approached: they're working on it. And that's about all general manager Peter Chiarelli offered, knowing all too well that the speedy winger this past season popped in enough goals (36) to justify an asking price of $4.5 million or more per year. That's because goal scoring is considered the game's sweetest nectar, and also because the New NHL pays kids like the 21-year-old Kessel huge money even when their track record only hints at potential stardom. According to one veteran agent with a list of high-profile NHLers, the Krejci deal, worth $11.25 million ..."

It's a tight fit with this cap

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June 7

Boston Herald

"Now that the NHL games are ending, the fun can start. Actually, for many of the league's general managers, this may not be a very fun offseason - not with so many teams hamstrung by concerns of a shrinking salary cap. The uncertain financial future of the NHL - along with the rest of the planet - has left many teams not only with limited flexibility in assembling their rosters for next year and beyond, but with some problems that have no apparent solution. The Bruins are in a tight fix, with their total cap hit for next season now at some $50,483,000 after the new deals for Tim Thomas and David Krejci. Assuming the 2009-2010 cap remains about the same as this season's $56.7 million, that ..."

Bruins move to sign David Krejci

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June 3

Boston Herald

"The Bruins gave their first glimpse into this summer's master plan yesterday, when it was announced that 23-year-old center David Krejci had signed a new long-term contract. Canada's TSN reported the deal is for three years with annual salaries of $3.5 million, $3.75 million and $4 million. The numbers represent a tidy raise for a player who earned $850,000 this past season. The B's retention of Krejci, who could have become a restricted free agent July 1, hardly was a surprise. Despite playing all season with a painful hip injury that will require surgery later this week, the Czech Republic native continued his ascent toward stardom. He played all 82 regular-season games and posted 21 ..."

Chiarelli has some operating to do

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May 24

Boston Globe

"The knife fell first on Phil Kessel, the speedy winger undergoing shoulder surgery at Massachusetts General Hospital last week, which should prevent the Bruins' top goal scorer from participating in the US Olympic camp in August. Of course, we don't know whether Kessel will still be a Bruin by then, which in part is what will make this offseason, especially these next 4-6 weeks, perhaps the most exciting and defining in Peter Chiarelli's regime as Boston's general manager. We do know that there are more surgeries to follow, which is about all we know about the offseason at this hour. David Krejci soon will have an ailing hip repaired. Andrew Ference has a torn groin and a hernia that must ..."

Manny Fernandez backs off

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May 21

Boston Herald

"Two months ago, Manny Fernandez strongly hinted at an intention to retire after the season ended for the Bruins, despite the fact the 34-year-old goalie bounced back from knee woes and delivered a fine year as Tim Thomas' backup. Although his numbers - a 16-8-3 record, 2.59 goals-against average and .910 save percentage - suggested the unrestricted free agent-to-be might well be coveted as a No. 1 netminder, Fernandez did not seem interested. "No, I think this is one of my last runs," Fernandez said on March 25. The reason he was leaning toward retirement was an ongoing back problem stemming from a ruptured disc. "I don't want to play the game 90 or 80 or 70 percent," he said on that day ..."

Axelsson faces uncertain future

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May 20

Boston Globe

"P.J. Axelsson has appeared in 797 NHL games. Each of his appearances has come in a Boston uniform, putting him 10th on the franchise's all-time games played list. But it remains to be seen whether Axelsson will add to that total. On July 1, the left wing will become an unrestricted free agent. The Bruins have not decided whether to re-sign the versatile Axelsson, who might be at the end of his stay in Boston. "If it is, it's kind of sad," said Axelsson. "I've been here for a long time. It's the business. I can't really say too much because I don't know." Axelsson scored 103 goals and had 184 assists for 287 career points. In 2008-09, Axelsson put up a 6-24--30 line in 75 games, a career ..."

For Chiarelli, tight cap could mean headaches

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May 19

Boston Globe

"Long faces, broken dreams, and bruised psyches were the order of the day on Causeway Street yesterday, more than three nights removed from the sudden-death finish to the Bruins' season that triggered their agonizing summer. "There's a gnawing sensation at the back of my head that isn't normally there," said general manger Peter Chiarelli, noting a sense of "unfinished business" that came with the second-round knockout. "We are all collectively disappointed by the way it ended." Amid the ritualistic packing of bags, bundling of sticks, exit interviews, and farewell physicals, as well as the lengthy list of broken players headed to surgery, came the harsh realization that there could be an ..."

Recchi wants in

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May 19

Boston Herald

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"While general manager Peter Chiarelli has not made decisions on some unrestricted free agents, Mark Recchi sounded quite smitten with Boston and the Bruins organization, and said yesterday he'd like to return. "Obviously they've got some decisions to make, but I really enjoyed it here and I've expressed that to them," Recchi said. "I'm at a position in my life where I can play where I want to play if the team wants me. I'm not going to play just to play. Boston is a place that I'd want to come back to. If it doesn't work out and they don't have room, then I might not play. "We'll see how it goes. Peter has a lot of work to do. I feel for GMs nowadays." Recchi, 41, impressed the Bruins with ..."

David Krejci, Phil Kessel face surgery, rehab

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May 19

Boston Herald

"Just how the Bruins deal financially with pending restricted free agents David Krejci and Phil Kessel remains to be seen. But one thing became fairly certain yesterday inside the B's locker room. No matter what their pay scale, or for whom they might be playing, neither Krejci nor Kessel likely will be ready for opening night in October. Both players are scheduled to go under the knife soon for surgeries that call for recovery periods of up to six months. Kessel will have surgery on his left shoulder to repair a torn rotator cuff and torn labrum while Krejci will have an impingement in his right hip operated on, according to general manager Peter Chiarelli. "Yeah, it's going to be a weird ..."

Bruins Trade Rumors