Bruins sign Backes, Liles and Khudobin

David Backes, John-Michael Liles and Anton Khudobin

Today the free agency frenzy has begun and the Bruins took action! The Bruins have signed Blues captain David Backes, according to TSN he signed a 5-year contract for $30 million, for a cap hit of $6 million. Backes is 32 years old, plays center, 6'3" 221 lbs, shoots right and was born in Minnesota. If you don't already know, Backes is a physical/heart and soul type of player, similar to Matt Beleskey but he has more offensive skills. Last season, Backes played in 79 games, scored 21 goals and had 24 assists for 45 total points, was +4 and had 83 PIMs.

The Bruins have re-signed defenseman John-Michael Liles to a 1-year contract worth $2 million ($2 million cap hit). Last season, Liles played in 17 games for the Bruins, had 6 assists and was -7.

Returning to the Bruins after three years away, is goalie Anton Khudobin as he signed a 2-year contract worth a total of $2.4 million ($1.2 million cap hit). Last season, Khudobin played in 9 games with the Anaheim Ducks, finished with a 3-3 record, had 1 shutout, a .909 save percentage and a 2.70 GAA.

More signings by the Bruins
The Bruins re-signed defenseman Tommy Cross to a 1-year two-way contract worth an average annual value of $600K.

The Bruins re-signed forward Tyler Randell to a 1-year two-way contract worth an average annual value of $600K.

The Bruins signed forward Riley Nash to a 2-year contract worth an average annual value of $900K. Last season, Nash played with the Carolina Hurricanes in 64 games, recorded 9 goals and 13 assists for 22 points while finishing -5 and had 18 PIMs.

The Bruins signed forward Tim Schaller to a 1-year two-way contract worth an average annual value of $600K. Last season, Schaller played with the Buffalo Sabres in 17 games, recorded 1 goal and 2 assists for 3 points while finishing +3 and had 2 PIMs.

Saying goodbye
Loui Eriksson signed a 6-year contract with the Vancouver Canucks, for a total of $36 million ($6 million cap hit).

Jonas Gustavsson signed a 1-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers for $800K.

Brett Connolly signed a 1-year contract with the Washington Capitals for $850K.

Lee Stempniak signed a 2-year contract with the Carolina Hurricanes for $5 million ($2.5 million cap hit).

Zach Trotman signed a 1-year contract with the Los Angeles Kings.

Matt Irwin signed a 2-year contract with the Nashville Predators.

Alex Khokhlachev signed a 2-year KHL contract.

Chris Kelly signed a 1-year $900K deal with the Ottawa Senators.

In other news, former Bruin Milan Lucic, signed a 7-year contract with the Edmonton Oilers for $42 million ($6 million cap hit).

Post updated 7/1 at 5:42pm
Post updated with Chris Kelly signing on 7/7