According to multiple sources, the Bruins have agreed to a deal in principle with free-agent defenseman Derek Morris.
Morris started last season with the Phoenix Coyotes, but was moved to the New York Rangers at the trade deadline. Morris had 5-15-20 totals in 75 games last season, and was a -10. He is a primarily a puck-moving d-man, and his less than stellar defensive numbers can be partially attributed to playing for Phoenix and the Rangers, two of the league's less-than-airtight defensive teams.
This could be the "other shoe" I referred to earlier, when GM Peter Chiarelli said moving Aaron Ward wasn't to sign Phil Kessel, but to add another defenseman. Morris appears to be that guy, though the team hasn't confirmed anything yet.
The Lawrence Eagle-Tribune has also reported the deal, while NESN and InsideHockey.com contributor James Murphy has mentioned a signing as well.
ESPN says it's a one-year deal, but I'm going to wait until I read the terms to comment fully on the signing. If it is a one-year deal, and it's for $2-2.5 million, then good move. If it's for $3 million+, then I'll be scratching my head. Stay tuned.
EDIT (11:52 PM): TSN is reporting the deal is a one-year deal worth $3.3 million...yeesh. That's a little high for my tastes. This essentially negates moving Aaron Ward to clear salary, meaning someone else is definitely going to have to go for Kessel to return to the B's this fall. Most likely to be moved? In my opinion (strictly opinion): Kobasew, Sturm, Ryder, Bergeron, Savard.
Again, stay tuned. More moves should be made in the next couple of weeks.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment