Boston Bruins: Brian Gionta brings high level leadership to B’s

The Boston Bruins made some big moves on Sunday. They signed Team USA captain and former New Jersey Devil Brian Gionta to a one-year contract.

After the Rick Nash trade, Boston Bruins fans were excited that they made a move and are trying to win the cup. They made another move on Sunday that adds some experience to a rather young locker room.  The Bruins signed 39-year-old forward Brian Gionta for the rest of the year in a deal worth $700,000.

This deal is more about what Gionta brings to the team in leadership and less about what he brings on the ice. Gionta will be a great locker room presence who will be able to help out young forwards like Danton Heinen, Jake DeBrusk, and others in what may be their first playoff experience.

The Bruins didn’t just sign Gionta to advise players though, he is still able to perform on the ice. They must have seen something during the Olympics that made them believe he is worth taking up a roster space.

The Bruins already have had to send down defenseman Paul Postma and are waiting to see if he clears waivers. Gionta played in all five games so the Bruins had a lot of film to look at. In those games Gionta had a -4 rating and had no points. So even though he struggled they didn’t sign Gionta just to be a cheerleader on the bench.

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Captain America’s recent history

Gionta last played in the NHL in the 2016-2017 season. While on the Buffalo Sabres, Gionta had 15 goals and 20 assists. Not so bad for a 38-year-old. His best season came in his 4th year with the New Jersey Devils, Gionta had 48 goals and 41 assists. Now Boston Bruins fans can’t expect this kind of output but Gionta still has some gas left in the tank.

I don’t expect Gionta to crack the starting lineup every night. He should occasionally fill in for guys especially on the fourth line. Most likely replacing Noel Acciari’s spot on the line. Gionta is similar to Acciari in that he is not as physical as Sean Kuraly and Tim Schaller and is more of a skill player.

At the end of the day Gionta is an extremely low-risk signing. If he plays well he will be a great addition that bolsters the Bruins bottom line. If he struggles the Bruins have plenty of other players who can take his place.

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The Boston Bruins play the Carolina Hurricanes on Tuesday in what may be Gionta’s first game with his new team.