Kobasew signs, more FA news, Rask falters in PVD

Chuck Kobasew signed what some thought was a below market deal with the Bruins, agreeing to a 3 year $7M contract. Lyle Richardson over at Spector's noted yesterday that some NHL team employees around the league thought the deal was a bit low, and a good signing by Boston given that Kobasew can be an energy guy, or a second line guy in a pinch. I like Chuck, he was one of the few who brought his 100% energy game to the team last year, and if he can rack up a few more points (and stay healthy) then it's definitely a great signing.

Chiarelli also is working on deals with Wideman and Stuart (both RFAs) and has also had talks with Metropolit and Ward's camps on trying to sign them as well (they are both UFAs). I think if Ward signs, we may see someone like Ference get dealt in order to make room for either Lashoff or Hunwick next season.

Without the podcast these past few weeks, CJ hasn't had to broken heartedly discuss how the P-Bruins were eliminated from the playoffs, and a fairly big factor was Rask's game dropping like a rock. He let in a number of softies, and it may be that the longer season in North America finally got to him. Still, he played very well for Providence, and I don't think there's any question he'll be in Providence next season as well. Looks like his comments about not having much to do in Providence came back to bite him in the butt. Unless either Thomas or Fernandez gets dealt (very unlikely), they'll be the two guys up in Boston. Of course, that's not counting for potential injuries (probably much more likely than a trade!).