Bruins Sign Free Agent Defenseman Morris

TSN is reporting that the Bruins and Derek Morris have agreed to a one year, $3.3 million contract. Peter Chiarelli did say that he was going to be getting another defenseman to replace Ward and this seems to be the guy. There has been no official announcement from either Morris's agent or the Bruins brass. Here is what sportsnet.ca has to say about Morris:

Assets

Possesses a well-rounded package of top-level skills, specifically an excellent skating stride and booming shot from the point. Is very strong and aggressive along the blueline.

Flaws

Has a tendency to lose his concentration in the defensive zone and give the puck away at the most inopportune moments. Must learn to better harness his aggressive nature.

Career potential

No. 2 defenseman.

McKeon's Take: Although this isn't the aforementioned Marc-Andre Bergeron I think this may be a better acquisition. I wouldn't mind bringing in Bergeron still even though I know there is no room both under the cap and in the locker room for him. Morris was recently traded at the previous deadline to the New York Rangers for their most recent playoff run and was moderately unsuccessful. In 7 games played he had 2 assists and +/- of -2. In 75 games played last season Morris had 5 goals and 15 assists and finished at -10. Granted this was with two teams (Phoenix and NYR) that didn't have very good scoring differential so, it will be interesting to see how Morris plays under the Julien system and if he can boost his +/- a bit. I'm very much on the fence about this signing because there is now only roughly $1.3 million to sign Kessel and obviously that will not cut it. So, is Kessel out or does someone get moved to make room for his monetary demands?

Thoughts?

-McKeon