Around The Boards – July 13, 2013 – Bruins Continue To Write Big Cheques

Here is the news from around the NHL.  I have been away for a couple of days, so this may cover more than just yesterday.

Jun 17, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins goalie Tuukka Rask (40) makes a save against Chicago Blackhawks center Jonathan Toews (19) as Bruins center Patrice Bergeron (37) looks on during the second period in game three of the 2013 Stanley Cup Final at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Michael Ivins-USA TODAY Sports

• The Boston Bruins are obviously confident the salary cap will rise significantly after next season, as they have dished out a couple of big money long-term contracts for two of their key players.  Wednesday saw Tuukka Rask sign an 8 year, $56M contract that kicks in this season, and Friday Patrice Bergeron signed an 8 year, $52M contract.  The Bruins are now almost $1.4M over the cap for 2013-14 with 22 players signed (although they will get some relief with Marc Savard coming off due to long-term injury status).  And if Jarome Iginla reaches his $4.2M in bonuses, it could carry over to the next season, which would put them in cap trouble if the cap doesn’t go up as much as they expect.
• Erik Condra filed for salary arbitration with the Senators on Wednesday, but avoided the stressful, combative process by signing on for 2 years and a total of $2.5M.  That is a pretty fair contract for a hard working forward without much finishing ability.  He is a solid 3rd liner and a very good 4th liner, depending on where he is used.  You always know what you are going to get with Condra.
• Other players filing for arbitration included Sam Gagner, Chris Stewart, Carl Gunnarson and a whole whack of Winnipeg Jets, most notably Blake Wheeler, Brian Little and Zach Bogosian.
• Jake Muzzin of the Kings also filed, but like Condra, avoidedthe messiness by reaching a 2 year deal. One of the league’s better rookies last season, he signed for the bargain price of $2M over the two years.