It's been a very busy season for the Boston Bruins, having made several deals during the off-season and during the season so far. Earlier in the season winger Kris Versteeg and defenseman Jay Harrison were acquired in seperate deals. Today both were traded to the Washigton Capitals in exchange for Ryan Callahan and a 3rd round pick. It was felt that Versteeg had been on the block ever since he was acquired. He just didn't fit into what the Bruins wanted to build and management looked at several options. Had he not been traded this season, it's believed a deal would be pursued at next season's draft. Harrison on the other hand, a steady, underrated defenseman who uses his body well and puts up some points on the board, was a player the Bruins didn't really want to part ways with.
The Bruins are delighted to welcome Ryan Callahan to the club who was acquired along with Boston's 3rd round pick (previously traded to Washington in the Shane Doan deal). Harrison was surely worth more than a 3rd rounder, but given the fact we wanted to add Callahan for a long time, it was a price worth paying. And since we had added Greg Zanon just days before, Harrison became eligible.
In Callahan the Bruins get some great leadership, a true competitor, tough hitter, shot-blocker and goalscorer. Versteeg has the better skills and might get more points, but Callahan should fit in very well with the group of players we've got here. Don't be surprised to see him on the top line and penalty kill as everyone will want to see their newest Bruin battle hard out there while playing big minutes.
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