The Bruins announced Friday morning that they have agreed to contract extensions with forwards Danielle Paille and the recently acquired Chris Bourque, who were both due to become free agents on July 1st.
The veteran Paille gets a new three-year, $3.9 million deal to stay in Boston, where he has played much of the last three seasons. Bourque, who was acquired in a trade with Washington last week for Zach Hamill, gets a two-year deal, with a two-way deal in the first year and a one-way deal in the second season. Bourque’s NHL cap hit will be $550,000.
Bourque will get a chance to compete for a roster spot in camp this fall, but the two-way front end of his deal means that even if he doesn’t make the team to start the season, he’ll likely be one of the first call-ups if an injury occurs.
The Bruins have taken pride in their depth over the past few years, boasting one of the best fourth lines in the league recently. These signings aim to maintain that depth.
With Paille’s new deal and the contract extension that Shawn Thornton signed in March, the Bruins have ensured that two thirds of their fourth “Energy” line will be back next season. Center Greg Campbell remains unsigned and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
