Bruins Re-Sign Jurcina

[steg1989]

Hockeyjournal.com has learned that Boston Bruins defenseman Milan Jurcina has agreed to terms on a one-year, one-way contract valued at $500,000.

"We just finished the one-year deal and Milan (Jurcina) will be arbitration-eligible next year," Jurcina's agent, Allan Walsh, said Tuesday. "The impetus is now on him to go out this season and prove to the Bruins that he's worth investing in for the long term."

The B's qualifying offer was a two-way contract, which was rejected by the Jurcina camp. But with the new deal in place, the 23-year-old rearguard can now look forward to spending the full season on the Boston blue line, possibly with fellow Slovak and Olympic defensive partner Zdeno Chara.

"Milan's the kind of guy who in the opinions of some, felt he would struggle under the new NHL rules," Walsh said about Jurcina, who posted 6-5-11 totals and a plus-3 rating in 51 NHL games in 2005-06. "Instead, he really blossomed when given the chance, and even showed his offensive upside during his scoring streak. He's shown that he has top-four potential as an NHL defenseman."

Jurcina’s signing leaves forwards Brad Boyes and Patrice Bergeron as the only unsigned restricted free agents, while the B’s are still targeted for arbitration with defenseman David Tanabe.

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[Isles4life]

I think he's got some decent potential from having seen him play last season, although the Bruins blueline is a lot more crowded now.

[ProbieRules]

Will this guy take ice time away from Brookbank? I hope not!

[Sandmachine]

Both being Slovakian, perhaps Jurcina and Chara will find some chemistry together.