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Don Sweeney held his media availability tonight at 5 PM, effectively signaling an end to his UFA Day.
While it’s true that he could make more moves at any time, usually having a press conference indicates that there’s not much else coming down the line.
The Bruins made three moves today, signing D Paul Postma, D Jordan Swarz and F Kenny Agostino.
Here’s a look at all three:
Paul Postma
Paul Postma is the “biggest” name of the three, as he’s the only regular NHLer. He was signed to a one-year, one-way deal worth $725,000. He’s a right-shot defenseman, and will likely take Joe Morrow’s spot as Mr. 7th Defenseman, in and out of the lineup.
Truthfully, the Bruins’ defense looks pretty set right now: Zdeno Chara, Charlie McAvoy, Torey Krug, Adam McQuaid, Kevan Miller and Brandon Carlo have pretty firm grips on their spots.
Postma is likely here to challenge for a bottom pairing spot, or to serve as an injury replacement. It’s a low-risk signing for Sweeney and gives the Bruins some depth on the blueline, something they sorely lacked in last year’s playoffs.
Postma chose the Bruins over other teams, which is always a good sign:
Postma had other NHL offers, but like opportunity with Boston the most. Had sports hernia surgery, but will be ready for camp.
— Ty Anderson (@_TyAnderson) July 1, 2017
Kenny Agostino
Arguably the most intriguing signing, Agostino is a guy who has lit it up in the AHL and will be looking to make the jump with the Bruins.
He had 83 points in 65 AHL games last year, so he can clearly score. The interesting part is that the Bruins signed him to a one-way contract, so they must plan to keep him on the NHL roster.
Agostino is likely here to challenge for a bottom-six role, in case any of the other kids (e.g. Jake DeBrusk, Anders Bjork, Sean Kuraly) aren’t up for it.
Again, a low-risk signing by Sweeney. He’s here for a year at $875,000. If he can carry some of his scoring touch to the NHL, he’ll be a serious bargain.
Jordan Swarz
This signing is as much about depth in Providence as it is in the NHL.
Swarz’s deal is a two-way deal, worth $650,000 in the big leagues. Swarz was Providence’s leading scorer last year with 54 points on the season.
Swarz could get a shot at the NHL level, but his signing is more about bolstering the P-Bruins. He was a great signing for that team last year, and should continue to produce this year.