Hamill heads for exit as Bruins trade him for Bourque

Bourque

We all expected the Bruins to part ways with 2007 first-round draft pick Zach Hamill this offseason.

What we didn’t know was that the Bruins would be able to actually trade the former No. 8 overall pick for an asset.

But in a trade so minor the team announced it in the evening on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend, the Bruins dealt Hamill to Washington for fellow minor-leaguer Chris Bourque, the son of Boston legend Ray Bourque.

Hamill, who is due to be a restricted free agent this summer, finished his Bruins career with four assists in 20 NHL games over three seasons. His skills never blossomed with the Bruins, and his aggressiveness never improved enough to make up for the lack of production.

Bourque, a former second-round pick (2004), hasn’t skated in an NHL since 2009-10. In 33 games over three seasons he posted 1-3-4 totals for the Capitals and Penguins. He’s due to be an unrestricted free agent this summer. The Bruins hold exclusive negotiating rights with him until July 1. If he signs, he’ll compete for a fourth-line job or be a key player with the Providence (AHL) farm club.