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| What doesn't show in the box score for Kelly is what earned him the A. (Getty Images) |
The Boston Bruins won a Stanley Cup last season, so that would explain why GM Peter Chiarelli doesn't seem very interested in letting players leave Beantown. He has been handing out extensions like they're going out of style.
But they're not out of style, not yet.
According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, two of the remaining unsigned free agents -- Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell -- now have new deals to stay in Boston. McKenzie reports that Kelly will receive $12 million over four seasons and that Campbell will be paid $4.8 million over three years.
Kelly is coming off a nice season that saw him score a career-high 20 goals, five more than his previous career best. At 31, it's pretty easy to raise an eyebrow in wonderment. Kelly is a nice player who a lot of teams would be interested in -- the Senators figured to be keeping an eye on him -- but that's a hefty price tag for a third-liner.
But keep in mind, despite putting together a roster that now has 13 forwards, six defensemen and two goalies under NHL contracts, the Bruins still aren't at the salary cap. There is some breathing room to spend a little more on guys you like, and there was a lot to like about Kelly recently, especially last season.
As for Campbell, the deal seems fair both ways. He doesn't do much at all in the offensive department, but he's a tough fourth-line guy who has fit in well since coming to Boston with Nathan Horton before last season.
Did Chiarelli make good moves on these?
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