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Former Bruins Defenseman Andrew Ference Signs With Oilers

BOSTON (CBS) -  Former Bruins defenseman Andrew Ference is heading home.

After settling in nicely in Boston the last seven years, Ference reportedly signed a four-year deal with the Edmonton Oilers on Friday.

Ference, who grew up in Edmonton, was told by the Bruins following their Stanley Cup loss that he was not in the team's future plans due to salary cap restrictions and Boston's plethora of young defensemen.

Shortly after the deal, Ference Tweeted out a photo of him as a boy in an Oilers jersey.

Report: Former-Bruin Nathan Horton Signs 7-year Deal With Columbus

The 34-year-old defenseman, who was acquired from the Calgary Flames during the 2006-07 season, had 18 goals and 94 assists for Boston in 373 games played. He played a major role on Boston's 2011 Stanley Cup Championship team, both on the ice and in the locker room, and was an assistant captain in his final two seasons in Boston.

Read: Alfredsson Chooses Red Wings Over Bruins

Young defensemen Torey Krug and Matt Bartkowski are expected to compete for Ference's spot on Boston's second defensive line in 2013-14.

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