Unless you've been living under a rock or just on vacation, you already know that Aaron Ward has been traded. Oh it's true, he was traded to Carolina yesterday for Patrick Eaves and a 2010 4th round draft pick and the Bruins then turned around and bought out Eaves' contract, thus allowing $2.25M to be freed under the salary cap.

This move apparently pissed off EVERYONE in Boston because Ward is such a likable guy and a great interview. Although I agree that Ward was wonderful on the radio and seems to be a great, stand-up guy, the Bruins aren't going to win championships based on character. Ward's play has somewhat declined over the past couple of seasons and could no longer be relied on as the #3 defenseman.

Now Ward will be next to Scott Walker, probably wondering if he will suck punch him once more for his deodorant or something else he needs in his locker. However, Ward seems to be excited to "go home" (home is where his wife and two children live [Carolina]).

Now when that deal was done, there was one mass speculation:

THE BRUINS WILL USE THIS FREE CAP ROOM TO SIGN PHIL KESSEL!!#!!11one11!

Well folks...you were wrong. Dead wrong.

Later in the day, the Boston Bruins came to an agreement with defenseman Derek Morris. Morris signed a 1 year, $3.3M deal to play in Boston, but I can't help think of the hypocracy that is going to be shouted from the hilltops.

WHY DID THEY DO THIS!?
NOOOOO YOU DONT TRADE WARD
WE WANT KESSEL
etc. etc.

Well Bruins fans, this whole offseason there were two things constantly being bitched about.

#1 Phil Kessel re-signing with the Bruins
#2. Getting a puck moving defenseman.

Well, there is your. puck moving defenseman you've been asking for. I know the contract sucks, but what do you expect? Puck moving defensemen are at a premium and now you have one for each pairing (Hunwick, Wideman, Morris). If you think that having a puck moving defenseman was never an issue, please watch the Hurricanes/Bruins series again.

I have absolutely no feelings about this deal. I don't care one way or another because the Bruins addressed a need. I feel that this is a bigger need than Kessel coming back because you can find 30 goals somewhere. Remember, Sturm was a near-30 goal scorer two seasons ago.

There was also a news story last night on FOX25 where Chiarelli was given the OK by Jacbos to match any offer sheet given the Kessel.

Just something to think about.