Bruins Sign Goaltender Sabourin & Defenseman Fata to One-Year Deals

The Boston Bruins announced on Tuesday evening that they have signed goaltender Dany Sabourin and defenseman Drew Fata to one-year contracts. Terms of both of their deals were not disclosed. Sabourin split last season with the Pittsburgh Penguins and Edmonton Oilers after being traded to the Oilers by the Penguins with Ryan Stone and a fourth round pick in 2011 in exchange for goaltender Mathieu Garon. In 19 games last season, Sabourin posted a 6-8-2 record with a 2.85 GAA and a .898 save percentage. Fata split time last season with the Phoenix Coyotes and Ottawa Senators organizations after being traded to the Senators from the Coyotes in exchange for forward Alexander Nikulin. Fata did not appear in any NHL games last season, but played in 75 AHL games with San Antonio and Binghamton, scoring seven goals and nine assists for 16 points and 141 penalty minutes. Sabourin gives the Bruins a more than capable backup to Tim Thomas, who will see the bulk of the starts next season. However, prospect Tuukka Rask will definitely challenge Sabourin for the backup role next season, as he is seen as the goalie of the future for the Bruins. Fata is a very tough and physical defenseman, but is nothing more than a depth defenseman. He will likely play most of next season in the minors, but if he does get recalled by the Senators, he will likely be the sixth or seventh defenseman.

Senators Trade Nikulin to Coyotes

On Sunday, Ottawa Senators prospect center Alexander Nikulin told the team he wanted to be traded by Monday or he would sign a contract with CSKA Moscow of the KHL. Nikulin got his wish on Monday, as the Senators traded the disgruntled forward to the Phoenix Coyotes in exchange for defenseman Drew Fata. Senators General Manager had a difficult time working out a trade due to the fact that the other teams were unsure if Nikulin would remain in North America even after the trade if he could not secure a roster spot. Murray found a trade partner with the Coyotes, who did not have to give up much in return. Nikulin played two games last season with the Senators, going scoreless. Fata was signed as a free agent by the Coyotes over the summer. Last season, Fata played in five games with the New York Islanders, scoring one assist. Neither player has played any NHL games so far this season. If Nikulin decides to remain in North America, the Coyotes have another talented prospect to build their team with. Nikulin could provide decent offensive depth for the Coyotes as long as he doesn't leave for Russia. However, since the Coyotes did not give up much to acquire him, it will not be a huge loss to the team if Nikulin decides to return to Russia. Fata likely won't see much playing time with the Senators this season unless there is a lengthy injury to their blueline in the future.