The Boston Bruins have signed forward Blake
Wheeler to a one-year contract after the two sides went to arbitration earlier
this week.
According to the Boston Globe, Wheeler was awarded a $2.2 million deal for the
2010-11 season. The Bruins could have walked away from the contract after the
arbitrator's decision.
"It is never a pleasant experience for either side to go to arbitration," said
Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli in a statement. "However, as a manager,
you know that the player will be under contract for the following year either
way. We talked to Blake before and after the hearing and we are satisfied to
have a good, young player under contract for another year."
Wheeler scored 18 goals and added 20 assists for 38 points in 82 games last
season. He has recorded 39 goals and 44 assists for 83 points in 163 NHL
games.
The Minnesota native was originally selected by Phoenix with the fifth overall
pick of the 2004 draft. After deciding to forego his senior season to enter
the NHL, then opting not to sign with Phoenix, Wheeler became an unrestricted
free agent and signed with Boston on July 1, 2008.
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