According to reports, the Boston Bruins made a last-minute splash at the deadline, acquiring defenseman John-Michael Liles from the Carolina Hurricanes.
Liles, 35, has six goals and nine assists for 15 points in 64 games for the Hurricanes this season. Liles has recorded a -3 for the Canes this season – a team languishing near the bottom of the standings.
The Bruins gave up a third-round pick, a fifth-round pick, and prospect Anthony Camara for Liles.
The veteran defenseman, now with his fourth team, is in the final year of a four-year deal worth $3.875 million per season.
Boston also reportedly traded for forward Lee Stempniak from the New Jersey Devils. Stempniak, who is on a one-year, $850,000 deal, has 16 goals and 25 assists for 41 points to lead the Devils in scoring to this point in the season.
The trade was first reported by Canadian network TSN. Terms of the trade were not immediately available.
It was a deal sorely needed for the Bruins, a team that has historically prided itself on a defense-first philosophy but has struggled this season. The Bruins are currently 21st in the NHL in goals allowed.
Reports indicate the Bruins did not trade highly touted forward Loui Eriksson. The 30-year-old winger is having one of his best seasons in the NHL and will be an unrestricted free agent at the end of this season.
Boston begins its post-deadline schedule Tuesday when the team hosts Calgary on Tuesday night. The Bruins currently sit in third place in the Atlantic Division – good enough for a playoff spot if the season ended today.
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