Once graded as a fail, last year’s Ference deal with Bruins looks fine
So for a bottom-six defenseman on a top-10 team, Ference is competitively compensated. Bear in mind, signing Ference didn’t preclude the Bruins from getting deals done with Boychuk, Seidenberg and Chara, or prevent them from chasing down Tomas Kaberle before this season’s trade deadline. Going forward, it’s unlikely that Ference’s $2.25 million is going to be the difference between Boston adding to its team or standing pat. Since Ference is one of the few players to not get a no-trade or no-movement clause from Chiarelli, if Ference’s deal ever gets in the way the Bruins wouldn’t have much difficulty doing the necessary maneuvering to clear him off the cap.
You don’t endure injury-plagued seasons like Ference faced the three years before this and shake off that “injury-prone” tag overnight. Should Ference break down and put the Bruins in an uncomfortable financial situation between now and the end of the deal, opinion on last spring’s extension will obviously sour.
As April 1, 2011, however, the deal with Ference has turned out to be a just reward for a valuable complementary player.
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Great points Matt, $2.25 for Ference is what he should get if he’s healthy and I think his health is what gave fans the most reservations about his extension. I’m glad he’s stayed healthy because Kampfer’s doesn’t look the same to me at all after his concussion, maybe that’s the reason for signing Hnidy.
TCL – I get worried that Kampfer is simply too reckless. His is young, and maybe he’s just trying to hard, but I fear his style of play, and the size of his body are not a good combination. As always.. time will tell, but I’d listen to offers that include Kampfer at this stage.
Throughout all the bashing, some of us knew all he had to do was get healthy, and most would shut up with the whining.
Ference is small – but he’s obviously pretty damned good. Just look at the record with and without!
I think Kampfer played well but it is clear he is a Rookie and he makes some big mistakes at times-I do like his style and look forward to him playing more next year, but he is not comparable to a healthy Ference. I also think Ference’s play looked much better after we traded Hunwick and Ference didn’t have to pair up with him anymore. I think Hunwick generally made anyone he was paired with look bad.
Nice piece. I like Ference and enjoy when he gets his due. When he was out some fans argued that team would be better with Kampfer even when AF returned…sometimes can’t believe others are watching the same games as me
Ference is a true find. He understands the ebb and flow of a gane and works hard each night. I would hope a player like that was on my team.
you just jinxed af’s groin, matt. thanks.
I think Ference has had a very good year this year and I love the way he steps in for his teammates. I think he and McQuaid have been very good together-they complement each other pretty well when on the same line.
I do want to be clear that Ference is excellent. what a year!
I don’t even know where to start on that one. I generally agree, but…. so many things.
Ference is solid and his prescence in the lineup does seem to improve their ability to move the puck out of the defensive zone.