The Boston Bruins have signed Teddy Purcell to a professional tryout according to Ty Anderson of WEEI.com, bringing in the veteran forward after he spent much of last season in the minor leagues. The 32-year old will attempt to earn a contract on a team that currently projects to have several rookies in the lineup on opening day.
Purcell was always an effective offensive player, even scoring a career-high 65 points in 2011-12 with the Tampa Bay Lightning, but saw his play deteriorate last year. After signing a one-year $1.6MM contract with the Los Angeles Kings, Purcell was waived by the team in early December and sent to the minor leagues. At the time, he had just two points in his first 12 games with the Kings but then showed he could still dominate lesser competition. In 38 games with the Ontario Reign, Purcell scored 38 points, prompting his minor league coach to even state that he was “too good for this league.”
There is a real chance that Purcell could crack the Bruins lineup if he shows his offensive talent is still at least partly there. Even after signing David Pastrnak earlier today, the team could still be looking at players like Anders Bjork and Jakob Forsbacka Karlsson for full-time roles, something that could be avoided with another veteran option. Though both young players look great, some time in the minor leagues wouldn’t hurt their development. That would all be predicated on Purcell showing up fit and looking the part of the 30-50 point man he was for so many years, something that is far from certain.
I think if he makes the team it would be a nice vet addition for the young guys
They don’t need him! They already have better veterans on the team like Chara and Bergeron!