Last week the Bruins announced the signings of Greg Campbell, Adam McQuaid, Andrew Bodnarchuk and Jeff LoVecchio. While these aren't earth shattering moves, the Bruins have essentially rounded out the bottom of the roster and retained some key pieces in Providence. The McQuaid and Campbell signings will help to boost the toughness and grit that wasn't seen at key times last year. Here is a look at each of the players and their contracts.
Greg Campbell
Campbell was the second player brought over in the Wideman-Horton trade, but came over as a restricted free agent. Campbell only posted 2 goals and 15 assists on the season last year, and his role in Boston will remain the same. Campbell will most likely center the 4th line with Thornton and a RW yet to be determined. Campbell is a grinder who likes to mix it up from time to time, and he will be called upon to help on the PK as well. His contract is for set for $1M this year, and $1.2M in 2011-2012. Also of interest, Greg is the son of Colin Campbell, the NHL disciplinarian who failed to handout a suspension for the Cooke hit on Savard this season. It's almost too ironic how this came full circle. (cue Alanis Morrisette music)
I do think Campbell will be a good addition to the 4th line and certainly an upgrade over Begin. Essentially, the B's had the choice of keeping Sobotka for this money or signing Campbell, so it will be interesting to see which player has the better year next season.
Adam McQuaid
I was very excited about this signing as I didn't think the young blueliner would be back in Boston next year. Please note I said BOSTON. McQuaid had a solid season last year and played well when called up both times, and if it wasn't for his mid season injury, we probably would have seen a lot more of him. The 6-5, 209lb defensemen will certainly battle for a permanent spot on the NHL roster. Most likely it will come down to McQuaid and Hunwick. In his time in Boston, McQuaid showed that he is a strong, physical defender who can bring a downright nasty side to his game. He didn't back down from opponents, and played as if he belonged there. The one critique is that he sometimes tried to play mistake free hockey, which in the end ultimately lead to tentative play and turnovers. If he plays within his game and gets some NHL miles, I think you will see a much improved player by the end of the year.
I also like they way his contract is structured. He is signed for 2 years, with the first year being a 2 way contract, and the second being a 1 way contract. This will allow him to go back to Providence this year if he isn't ready, but it also leads me to believe that the Bruins think he will be on the NHL roster next year. Maybe this is looking too far ahead, but Hunwick will be a RFA next year and McQuaid may already be lined up to take his position if he doesn't do so this year.
Andrew Bodnarchuk
I like the signing of the young prospect defensemen who saw limited time in Boston last year. He was signed to a 1 year deal and will most likely spend his time in Providence unless the injury bug hangs around beantown for another year. If he is given the time to develop in the B's system, he could be a solid NHL player 2-3 years down the road.
Jeff LoVecchio
Played his first season in Providence last year, and will be there again this year. Had a decent rookie season and was given another year to develop. Won't see him in Boston next year.
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