Bruins sign Andrew Ference to a 3-year extension

by Stanley Cup of Chowder on Mar 24, 2010 6:06 PM EDT

The Bruins announced today that they have signed defenseman Andrew Ference to a 3-year extension, totaling $6.75 million with a $2.25 million annual cap hit.

While $2.25 million doesn't seem like much to pay for a veteran defenseman, I have to question the logic of re-signing an often-injured bottom pair defenseman to this kind of contract. In the 3 full seasons that Ference has played with the Bruins, he has missed at least 30 games every year. It is well-documented that I am not the biggest fan of Andrew Ference's game, but I have to admit the Bruins have looked better in their own end of the rink since he returned from his latest injury. That being said, I think they could have looked elsewhere for more economical options that could give you the same things that Ference does.

Peter Chiarelli sounded more like a guy with buyer's remorse after buying a lemon used car than someone who just locked up a veteran defenseman for the next 3 seasons:

"With a player of his size and the way he plays, there will be injuries, knock on wood. I've been given assurance with respect to his groin and core area that everything is repairable and everything will be fine. We're prepared to take injuries based on the way he plays. I'm not going to lie. He'll say the same thing. He plays hard, and that's what happens when you play hard. We looked at that and we factored that into the equation. But we felt there were a lot of positives."

- Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli via Boston.com

So, there you have it. Three more years of Andrew Ference hobbling around the 9th floor of TD Garden.

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I already posted in the fanpost, but I hate this signing. I think the main argument against it is why do it now? Is he really going to get a better offer than this from someone else if we wait? Like, maybe we could wait until we know whether we are getting Hall / Seguin or if we get the 3rd pick and maybe take Fowler? Why do we keep bidding against ourselves?

by Toe Nash on Mar 24, 2010 6:12 PM EDT reply actions

I am surprised by the signing as well, it’s not like a lot of teams came calling for his services.

by Eric B on Mar 24, 2010 6:32 PM EDT reply actions

Things were going to good for The Bruins the past two games

they had to do something stupid to mess it up

by DanTuc27 on Mar 24, 2010 6:33 PM EDT reply actions

jesus. the only way the bruins could do worse would be to sign ray bourque to a 3 year 7 million/yr contract. or announce a 1 million dollar bonus for wideman.

what a waste. Peace, Chiarelli!

by andie on Mar 24, 2010 9:24 PM EDT reply actions

I guess there is a bright side to this. It could have been Wideman signing the extention

by Ljcav7788 on Mar 25, 2010 7:31 AM EDT up reply actions

When I first heard the Bruins re-signed Ference, I was like, “What?”

Then I found out they signed him for three years and I was like, “WHAT???”

Then….I found out they were giving him 2.25 mill a year … and I was like “[Comment censored – NSFW]”

I’d almost feel sorry for your Cornelius, except you have our pick. Though knowing Chia…he might find a way around the rookie max and give Hall, Seguin, or Fowler
a bloated contract. ;)

P.S. I imagine that this spells the end of two of Thomas, Ryder and Wideman in a Bruins uniform. If not, Chia has like no money for next year….and that means no scorers….and that likely means suckage.

by Theodles on Mar 24, 2010 9:51 PM EDT reply actions

I must agree that this signing does suck. I do like Ference, when he is actually on the ice. I feel like he plays a gritty brand of D that could do well to rub off on Hunwick or Boychuk. However, he is injured a whole lot. A 30 year old defenceman who has missed at least 30 games over the last 3 years, and you sign him to a 3 year extension? I guess if he can stay healthy, its not a bad price, but 2.25 million dollars to keep the 9th floor seats warm isn’t exactly a bargain.

by BlueNGoldBomber on Mar 25, 2010 12:48 AM EDT reply actions

i agree im a bit befuddled by 1, the signing itself, 2 the timing of it, and 3 the fact he’s actually getting a raise? We all know he’s someone you can plan on putting on the shelf at least once a season, but for a slightly undersized, unproductive, 5/6 D-man, who’s really only claim to fame is being Sidney Crosby’s first fight (which he really kinda lost too)? With Wideman being under contract until the end of next year (correct me if Im wrong) and a potential stud draft D man coming this way, who’s on the way out to make room, both physically and financially?

P.S. Is it me or is PC is trying to spin some Theo BS here with the “attractive” bologna. Certainly seems like he’s trying to draw our attention away from the fact he’s making some deals that leave fans scratching their heads, as evidenced here.

by The_Dude_Abides4 on Mar 25, 2010 8:35 AM EDT reply actions

Are you freaking kidding me?!?

Could Ference have gotten even HALF that on the open market?!?

I wouldn’t say that I miss Harry Sinden’s penny-pinching (and player-alienating) ways, but jeez, Peter, it’s okay to play hardball once in awhile, buddy! And when you have a second or third pair defenseman who misses 20-30 games a year, that’s one of those times.

God, I wish PC was my boss…
Me: “I want a raise to $100,000.”
PC: “I’ll give you $150,000, and a $25,000 bonus, and that’s my final offer.”

by Phunwin on Mar 25, 2010 9:01 AM EDT reply actions

Dead on

I couldn’t agree more. Stuart and Siedenberg have played better than ference and Peter gives this contract to Ference. If they don’t get rid of Wideman in the off season, that means we will let either one or botht defenseman walk.
There better be some off season dumping hopefully, Wideman,Hunwick, and Those retched x-canadian players.
Claude wanted his guys they’ve done the same thing in Boston that they did in Montreal; regress every year.
And Phil was the problem, huh!

by Vaspasian on Mar 26, 2010 8:54 PM EDT up reply actions