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Moves a new sign from B’s

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By Douglas Flynn/ NHL Notes
CNC Sports Reporter
Sunday, August 12, 2007 - Updated: 12:15 AM EST


First, Peter Chiarelli got all of his veterans signed two months before the start of camp - a feat unfathomable in the reigns of past Bruins [team stats] general managers.

Now, he’s doing his best to prevent any future contract hassles by locking up the club’s top prospects long before even the threat of re-entering the draft. Last week, it was power forward Milan Lucic, a 2006 second-rounder, inked to a three-year entry-level deal, and Wednesday 2007 first-round pick Zach Hamill was signed to a three-year contract.

These signings weren’t just the case of a couple of prospects forcing the Bruins to act quickly with their strong play; they represent an important shift in overall strategy.

“It’s a philosophy,” said Chiarelli. “It aids in the development of these players, and these are legitimate prospects. It gives them some peace of mind to know the organization is committed to them. These kids are always worried about playing for that contract.”

“And it gives us power, too,” added Chiarelli. “They’re under contract to us so we have a greater control over their development.”

It’s also a wise investment. Lucic proved he could play last year with 30 goals and a Memorial Cup MVP trophy now on his resume, while Hamill led the entire Western Hockey League in scoring as an 18-year-old. Waiting to make a deal and watching them post even better numbers this year could tilt the leverage in the players’ favor, making it far more expensive to sign them later.

“It’s a balance,” said Chiarelli. “They’ve shown they deserve the contract, but it’s a preemptive strike too. It may be impossible to sign them next year if they have another breakout year.”

Lucic had his breakout last season. Originally drafted for his toughness, the 6-foot-4, 220-pound winger showed his offensive capabilities this past season with the WHL’s Vancouver Giants. The Bruins didn’t wait to see what Hamill could do this year in the WHL. His performance before being drafted and his showing in last month’s Development Camp was enough to convince the club to act now.

“He came as advertised,” said Chiarelli of the 5-foot-11, 180-pounder. “He’s a player who doesn’t have outstanding physical attributes at first glance, but he has tremendous offensive instincts. His vision and offensive awareness are outstanding. You could see that in the drills and especially in the scrimmages (at the Development Camp).”

Hamill signed for the entry-level maximum of $875,000 a year plus bonuses, while Lucic will reportedly get $533,000 a year plus bonuses. Both could have been in line for more with another strong year, with Lucic potentially adding to his base salary and Hamill possibly in line for a higher bonus structure. But the cap system did help make for a smooth and quick negotiation.

“That was part of the reason to put the (entry-level) cap in place in the CBA,” said Chiarelli. “It’s a little bit easier to get these kids signed now. Still, both sides have to see eye to eye.”

And Chiarelli might not be finished with his future planning.

“We may try to sign a couple more guys,” said Chiarelli. “We’ve talked to a few guys.”

European vacations?

The battle for the final few spots on the Bruins [team stats]’ forward lines in camp might not have quite as many combatants as expected. A pair of players in the running may not be with the B’s after all. They may not even be in North America this season.

Stanislav Chistov, acquired last November from Anaheim for a third-round pick, reportedly is close to signing a deal to play in his native Russia this season despite being under contract with the Bruins for another year. According to Chiarelli, it’s not a done deal yet, but he’s preparing to move on without Chistov.

“Not that I’m aware of,” said Chiarelli when asked about Chistov’s reported signing in Russia. “I’m aware of the rumors, but not that he’s signed.”

And if he does sign in Russia? “We have the option to suspend him, and we’d certainly do that to retain our rights to him,” said Chiarelli. “We couldn’t prevent him from playing (in Russia), but we can suspend him and keep his rights.”

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