Bruins Notebook: B's Add Depth with Free Agent Signings
 |
by Peter F. Stringer
SportsCircuit Staff
July 23, 1998
Looking to add depth to a roster that lacked scoring punch below the first line, the Bruins signed proven AHL scorer Peter Ferraro to a one-year deal Wednesday. As usual, the club did not disclose the terms of the deal with Ferraro, who was an unrestricted free agent after spending 29 games with the Pittsburgh Penguins last season.
"This signing addresses the issue of depth which was one of our concerns heading into this off-season," said Assistant General Manager Mike O'Connell.
 |
| Peter Ferraro |
Naturally a center, Ferraro will likely see more time on the wings as a second or third liner if he makes the club. He has bounced back and forth between the NHL and the AHL since the 1995-1996 season, when he made his league debut with the New York Rangers.
The Blueshirts drafted Ferraro, 25, with their first pick, 24th overall, in the 1992 Entry Draft. He spent the '92 season with the University of Maine and played four games for the Black Bears the following year before jumping to the U.S. National Team and then the Olympic Team. He then played the majority of the next three seasons in Binghamton, the Rangers AHL affiliate.
"He's played three solid seasons in the minors," said O'Connell. "We think we're signing him at a good stage in his development and he'll be given every chance at training camp to make the NHL this season."
In 37 NHL games, Ferraro has 3 goals and 5 assists for 8 points, and he has 14 penalty minutes.
Two More Sign on the Dotted Line
In addition to Ferraro, the B's added two more players for a little more depth on the roster. Center Chris Taylor, the younger brother of Bruins center Tim Taylor, and defenseman Brandon Smith signed one-year contracts on Wednesday.
''As with the signing of Peter Ferraro [Tuesday], both Chris and Brandon have been successful at the minor league level and we believe they are ready to take the next step into the NHL,'' said O'Connell in the Boston Globe Wednesday.
The 26-year-old Taylor was drafted by the New York Islanders in 1990 and has spent the last six years in the organization. A native of Stratford, Ontario, he finished second in scoring with the Utah Grizzlies of the International Hockey League, compiling 84 points in 79 games.
Smith, 25, out of Hazelton, British Columbia, had 36 points with the Adirondack Red Wings last season.
''I think there will be a lively competition at training camp among
all of our young players, not just the recent additions but players who were already in
the organization," O'Connell said. "Part of our success last season came from
the enthusiasm of our younger players and the coach's ability to develop them, and we
would like to see that continue this season with other young players.''
© 1998 New England Sports Network. All Rights Reserved.