Bruins Summer Vacation

So I just heard Aaron Ward on the Toucher and Rich show for probably one of the last times in a while. For those of you who don't listen, "Ward Wednesdays" was a regular segment on WBCN's morning show during the Bruins season. His phone-in relationship and extracurricular events with Fred, Rich, Crash, and Adolfo made Aaron a cult favorite among Boston hockey followers.

Late last week, all those fans (yours truly included) got a shot in the gut when the Bruins sent Ward packing in order to bring in a more solid blue-liner. While I think a lot more people will be missing Ward's presence than Peter Chiarelli could ever imagine, I don't think a lot of people can hate on the fact that Ward is heading back home to play in Raleigh.

So, what's left for the Bruins to do this off-season? They've just filled Ward's spot with Derek Morris and the only remaining loose end is Phil Kessel. To be honest, signing a guy like Morris who's going to command $3mil+ against the cap seems like a bad sign for Kess's future in Boston. He should be getting close to Krejci's salary of upwards of $3.6mil. With only $1.6mil of room left, I think the Bruins might be shooting for a less-proven 2nd-3rd year guy who hasn't broken out yet to replace Kessel. I hope I'm wrong.

Needless to say, I'm still excited about the B's 2009-10 campaign. With such a disappointing stoppage in play this past spring, I can't wait for opening night at the Garden. Also, if anyone is selling their Winter Classic seats, name your price.