The Boston Bruins made four roster transactions Saturday, sending forwards Ryan Spooner, Matt Fraser, Matt Lindblad and goaltender Niklas Svedberg to Providence of the AHL.
Currently, the Bruins have 14 forwards, eight defensemen and two goaltenders remaining on the training camp roster as the team prepares for the season opener against the Tampa Bay Lightning on Oct. 3 at TD Garden.
With Svedberg bound for Providence, Chad Johnson is in line to be No. 1 netminder Tuukka Rask's backup. Johnson, 27, has spent the majority of his career in the AHL and has 10 games of NHL experience between the New York Rangers and the Phoenix Coyotes. He signed a one-year, one-way contract worth $600,000 in July. Svedberg, 23, is still on an entry-level contract with the Bruins, but if he plays in Boston he'll count for nearly $1 million against the cap.
The Bruins are one over the 23-man limit for the active roster, so GM Bruins Peter Chiarelli still has a decision to make. Forwards Jordan Caron and Nick Johnson would need to clear waivers if sent to Providence, so it's possible Chiarelli would consider a trade in order to get something in return.
If the Bruins decide to go with eight defensemen that means it will be Zdeno Chara, Dennis Seidenberg, Johnny Boychuk, Adam McQuaid, Torey Krug, Dougie Hamilton, Matt Bartkowski and Kevan Miller.
As far as the four cuts that were made, Spooner, Fraser, Lindblad and Svedberg were all impressive during camp. From a development standpoint, it's better for all to get the necessary ice time with the P-Bruins in order to continue to hone their skills.
There's no doubt all could contribute in Boston at some point this season if needed. Chiarelli has created a wealth of depth in the organization and the P-Bruins should have an impressive season, too.
