The Boston Bruins lost three former players on the opening day of the 2012 NHL free agency period Sunday. Forward Benoit Pouliot and defenseman Joe Corvo signed one-year deals with the Tampa Bay Lightning and Carolina Hurricanes, respectively. Defenseman Greg Zanon signed a two-year deal with the Colorado Avalanche.
Zanon was considered to have the best chance of being re-signed by the Bruins. The blue-liner recorded two points--one goal, one assist--and four penalty minutes in 17 games played with the Bruins after being acquired at the trade deadline. His deal with the Avalanche is worth $2.25 million per season.
Pouliot came on strong with the Bruins late last season. In 74 games played with Boston last season, he notched 32 points-16 goals, 16 assists--and a plus-18 rating. The organization apparently didn't think too highly of him, however. His rights were traded to the Lightning last week in exchange for a fifth-rounder at the 2012 NHL Draft. Pouliot reportedly inked his one-year deal for $1.8 million.
Corvo struggled mightily as a Bruin. He scored a career low four goals last season, and was made a healthy scratch for seven games down the regular season stretch. Corvo's one-year deal is worth $2 million.
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