Well, the Boston Bruins have started their offseason early by extending the contracts of two young restricted free agents in forward Seth Griffith and defenceman Kevan Miller.
Millar, who signed a four-year extension worth $10-million, played in 71 games for the Bruins in 2015-16 totalling five goals and 18 points. While he’s not the most offensive player in the Bruins lineup, the extension offers the Bruins some settling news heading into the July 1 free agency period when it comes to their blue line.
Including Miller, they have just four defenceman from last year under contract (Chara, Seidenberg and McQuaid), with Colin Miller, Joe Morrow, and Torey Krug all RFAs waiting to get deals done.
The extension will see Miller through the 2019-20 season at an annual cap hit of $2.5-million – making him the fourth-highest paid defenceman on the team.
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While some aren’t all that pleased with the salary, the Boston Globe’s Fluto Shinzawa writes that it’s “market price for a D-man with room to grow.” And while it might not be the most impressive contract, it locks up a position that the Bruins were definitely in need of heading into the offseason.
Griffith, who saw minimal time in the NHL in 2015-16, signed a one-year extension with the club. His contract, a two-way deal, will earn him $625,000 at the NHL level.
The 23-year-old forward played just four games for the big club in 2015-16 recording one assist in the process. However, in 57 games with their AHL affiliate Providence Bruins, Griffith notched an impressive 24 goals and 77 points and managing only 32 penalty minutes to help the baby club.
The former fifth-round draft pick will certainly be a part of the Bruins future and could make the jump to the NHL in 2016-17.