Bruins Nation

Peter Chiarelli has officially signed former restricted free agents Nate Thompson and Martin St. Pierre.

I have no idea what the terms of the contracts are. Both players have spent their pro career thus far in the AHL. Fluto Shinzawa of the Boston Globe has reiterated many times that he believes Nate Thompson will make the Boston Bruins this season. Shinzawa sites Thompson's excellent performance in Providence and the fact that he is a quality penalty killer (which the Bruins lost when Metropolit signed with Philly) as reason why the young center will make it to the big leagues.

I'm not quite convinced yet. The Bruins have talented centers in Savard, Bergeron, Krejci, Kessel (most likely will play right wing), Nokelainen, and Sobotka. If Nate Thompson makes the team, one of the centers we already have will have to sit. Had Glen Metropolit not stepped up last season, the Bruins would have been in big trouble with Bergeron gone. If a center were to go down due to injury, then the Bruins would need Nate Thompson. Until then, I think the Bruins need to let him stay in Providence. He will improve in Providence and will be great for the younger P-Bruins. From what I hear, though, Thompson could easily make it out of training camp and prove me wrong. Best of luck to him!

Martin St. Pierre is most likely going to spend another season in the AHL. He'll be a quality point getter for Providence and if some Boston players go down with injuries he could see a couple games with the NHL Bruins.