Bruins Add Defenseman John-Michael Liles, Winger Lee Stempniak At Trade Deadline
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- The Boston Bruins acquired much-needed defensive help and added a forward at the trade deadline, acquiring 35-year-old John-Michael Liles from the Carolina Hurricanes and veteran winger Lee Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils.
In exchange for Liles, the Bruins send a 3rd and 5th round pick (year unknown) and prospect Anthony Camara. Stempniak was reportedly acquired for a 2017 second-round pick and a 2016 fourth-round pick.
Renaud Lavoie of TVA Sports in Montreal and Bob McKenzie of TSN first broke the reports just as the 3 p.m. trade deadline passed Monday afternoon.
Liles has 87 goals and 359 points in 783 career games with the Colorado Avalanche, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Hurricanes. Stempniak has scored 181 goals and 410 career points in 771 career games with St. Louis, Toronto, Arizona, Calgary, Pittsburgh, Winnipeg, the New York Rangers, and New Jersey.
This marks the third straight trade deadline in which Stempniak switched teams. The Bruins invited Stempniak to training camp in the fall, but decided not to sign him.
Both players will provide depth to the Bruins roster down the stretch as they battle for a playoff spot in the Western Conference. With Loui Eriksson still on the team, it is unclear if the team plans to sign him to an extension or ride out his contract year before letting him walk to free agency.
Matt Dolloff is a writer for CBSBostonSports.com. His opinions do not necessarily reflect that of CBS or 98.5 The Sports Hub. Have a news tip or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff and email him at mdolloff@985thesportshub.com.
