Report: Kelly and Campbell close in on new deals with B's

Share

NEWARK, NJ - Incumbent bottom six centers - and impending unrestricted free agents - Chris Kelly and Gregory Campbell are close to remaining Bruins for the near future, according to a TSN report.

The report states that the B's are closing in on multiple-year deals with both Kelly and Campbell prior to the July 1 deadline for free agency. The Bruins re-signed Daniel Paille last week, and that time a source told CSNNE.com that no progress had been made on a deal with fourth line center Campbell.

But talks clearly heated over the last week with deadlines nearing and Chiarelli done with his Team Canada commitment at the World Hockey Championships.

The Campbell and Kelly deals would ensure that the B's forward group is going to look awfully similar to the one that ended last season with a first round loss to the Washington Capitals.

Campbell's deal should land in the 1.5 million range given the market for quality fourth line centers, and it would be surprising if Kelly doesn't make more than 3 million annually in his new contract.

These deals would leave Tuukka Rask and Benoit Pouliot as restricted free agents, and decisions pending on incumbent players like Brian Rolston, Greg Zanon and Mike Mottau after the open of free agency on July 1.

Contact Us