Nash takes name out of free agency
BRUINS NOTEBOOK
On break-up day back in May, Rick Nash intimated he was considering retirement after sustaining the most recent concussion of his career.
As recently as last Saturday at the draft in Dallas, Bruins general manager Don Sweeney said Nash had still not made up his mind and, while not closing the door on his return, the team had to look at other options. So it came as no surprise yesterday when TSN and Sportsnet in Canada reported Nash has pulled himself out of the July 1 free agent derby, allowing every team to make other plans.
His agent, Joe Resnick, told The Associated Press the 34-year-old is undecided about his playing future.
• While the six teams in the John Tavares sweepstakes wait as the center mulls his decision, the Bruins have reportedly kicked the tires on unrestricted free agent wingers James van Riemsdyk and Michael Grabner. Van Riemsdyk made $5 million for the Maple Leafs last year and Grabner finished a very team-friendly deal with the Rangers and Devils that paid him $1.65 million per season the past two years. Grabner scored 27 goals in each of the last two seasons.
• Quebec Major Junior Hockey League defenseman Olivier Galipeau had two choices. He could go to Montreal’s development camp and essentially try out for a contract, or he could take the Bruins up on their late offer of a one-year AHL deal with Providence. Galipeau arrived at Warrior Arena midway through the B’s second day of development camp on Wednesday.
Galipeau had 25-49-74 totals in 67 games between Chicoutimi and Acadie-Bathurst last season, winning the Memorial Cup with the latter while notching five goals and 15 assists in 20 games.
“It was a sure deal. They want to work with me and develop me. It’s a good way to start my pro career,” the 6-foot-1, 210-pound Montreal native said about joining the B’s organization. Were the Habs angry? “Probably. Maybe a little bit. But my agent said it’s OK. I don’t know what they said or what the conversation was like,” said Galipeau. “My friends and family were happy for me. Maybe some fans from Montreal (were upset) but I don’t re- ally care about that.”