Colin Miller and Joe Morrow ‘will get a chance to earn more ice time' with Bruins

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WILMINGTON, Mass. – The Bruins wrapped up their contractual loose ends this week by signing restricted free agents Colin Miller and Joe Morrow for the upcoming season. Those moves leave them with seven D-men signed to NHL contracts headed into the league’s summer hiatus. 

Miller, 23, signed a two-year deal worth $2 million and Morrow, 23, inked a one-year, one-way contract for $800,000.

The moves leave the Black and Gold with roughly $6.5 million in cap space with perhaps another move or two up Don Sweeney’s sleeve before training camp arrives in September.

Miller is a bit of forgotten man after getting sent down to the AHL last season despite posting three goals and 16 points in 42 games for the Black and Gold, but also appearing to have lost a bit of confidence as he was bounced in and out of the lineup by the B’s coaching staff. He was the tools to be a top-four defenseman in the NHL and could erase the need for a Kevin Shattenkirk-type player if he lives up to his potential in his second season in Boston.

“Both of those guys were key contributors last season,” said Bruins executive director of player personnel John Ferguson. “Joe Morrow is a former first-round pick with good size, and good strength. He’ll be challenged to continue that development, and also earn the opportunity to prove that he can do more. Colin just had an outstanding year two years ago in Manchester in the AHL. He was a key piece of a trade and he came in and demonstrated during his duty in the NHL that he can contribute offensively.

“He’s a tremendous skater, and he’s really competitive with a good shot. We think there’s really big upside for both players, and they’re going to get a chance to earn more ice time than they got last year. It will be available to the, and we’re certainly really happy to get those deals done. Sometimes goalies and defensemen can take a little more time. I’ve seen a lot of players spend too little time in the American Hockey League, but I haven’t seen too many that have spent too much time developing there. They continue to get better as pros. The main thing is that they’re ready when their opportunity comes, and that they earn it.”

Morrow had a goal and seven points along with a minus-7 in 33 games last season and showed first-round flashes while also making plenty of critical mistakes that were far too common along Boston’s back end last year. Entering his fifth pro season and on his third team as a former 23rd overall pick in the 2011 draft, this season will be a crucial one in determining whether Morrow is going to make it as an NHL defenseman. 

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