The Boston Bruins have announced that they have signed veteran forward Lee Stempniak to a contract for the remainder of the season. Stempniak has been placed on waivers and will remain with AHL Providence, where he has been on a PTO, assuming he clears. Stempniak has been practicing with the Bruins since training camp and his signing has long been expected. Fox Sports’ Andy Strickland adds that it is a minimum $650K contract, but notably a one-way deal.
Stempniak, 36, is now ready to begin his second career stint in Boston. The Bruins acquired Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils at the 2016 trade deadline from the New Jersey Devils. While Stempniak performed well, recording ten points in 19 games, it wasn’t enough to push the Bruins into the postseason. With the playoffs nearly guaranteed for Boston this year, Stempniak’s second time around will at least be lengthier. His production however is more of a question mark. Although the veteran forward has four points in four games with the AHL’s Providence Bruins over the past two weeks and was one of Boston’s top scorers in the preseason while on a tryout deal, he has not played a meaningful NHL game for more than a year. How he will be utilized by the Bruins down the stretch will be interesting to see.
At the very least, Stempniak is an affordable add that brings plenty of experience and locker room presence. A veteran of more than 900 NHL games, Stempniak brings a smart, well-rounded game up front. The Bruins made a similar addition last season in Brian Gionta, who was used sparingly in the regular season and postseason, but given Stempniak’s familiarity with the team, he may see more action. Boston also has a need at right wing, something that many expected they would fill before the trade deadline. If the Bruins can’t find the right trade to make, that could also increase Stempniak’s role over the remainder of the year.
Long live one of the NHL’s most well traveled players
this is nice and all, but there has to be at least one more move to move the needle right?
With Sweeney in charge I wouldn’t count our chickens before they s***.
If this is the big move for the playoff push Sweeney has got to go
I hole they get Stone. They will have the flexibility to kick him up long-term…especially since I think they will once again explore moving Krejci and Backes. They will certainly have to eat a good chunk of Backes contract…Krejci as well perhaps.
What do you think the B’s would have to give up for 4 months of Stone?
I’m sure they would have to give up a decent amount. Certainly a couple picks (especially a 1st rd). As for players…definitely a few of their younger guys. Given Stone’s talent I would be fine with giving up a bit. I’m confident the B’s could resign him
Yeah it seems like everybody left would require at least a 1st pick, so it might come down to the level of prospects included in the deal.
NyQuist’s past best year is equal to Simmonds’ leveling off years now, so if the asking price is too high for Stone then I would prob roll the dice on Simmonds who is only a year older than Nyquist.
More disparaging comments about the Demon Barber?! What is wrong with you guys? Oh, yeah, you know him all too well, eh? Never mind…carry on!
Heinen and Bjork or a 1st and Vaakaneinen? Something like that
Hope that nickname sticks
Sweeney and Neely have already stated publicly that they will not bankrupt the future for rentals today. So unless they can get Stone for a pony, or a 4th or 5th rounder, I don’t expect to see Stone or the like in Bean Town.
Not gonna happen.
If Sweeney did something like that, do you know what the first words out of Neely’s mouth would be? LET’S GO!