The first domino fell this weekend when Charlie McAvoy signed his three-year bridge deal. It only took a couple of days for GM Don Sweeney to ink his next big RFA, Brandon Carlo, under contract.
On early Tuesday morning, the Bruins announced their agreement with Carlo on a two-year contract worth $2.85 million annually. The 2015 second-round selection will meet with the media on Tuesday before (likely) skating for the first time this training camp on Wednesday.
Sweeney somehow managed to sign both McAvoy and Carlo — despite the tough salary cap situation — without moving a significant piece like Torey Krug. The talented RFA duo combine for a $7.75 million cap hit, leaving the Bruins with a little north of $1.1 million in projected cap space.
Like McAvoy, Carlo will have an RFA status after his new deal expires. But they’ll both be in better negotiating positions coming off their second contracts.
David Krejci, Tuukka Rask and David Backes — with a combined $20.25 million cap hit — all hit the unrestricted free agent market in two years. That will free up some space for the next contract discussion with Carlo and McAvoy if Sweeney plays his cards right with pending contract extensions and other roster improvements between now and then.
We’ll have more reaction on Carlo’s new deal later on Bruins Daily. Stay tuned.
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