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By: Mark Allred Follow Me On Twitter @BlackAndGold277
Yesterday, the great folks at CapFriendly.com and EliteProspects.com reported that the Boston Bruins and Restricted Free-Agent Austin Czarnik have come to an agreement on an extension for the upcoming 2017-18 season.
#Bruins re-sign Austin Czarnik
1 year / 2-way dealNHL: $675K
Minor: $150K* Czarnik was an RFA with Arb. rights who elected not to file. pic.twitter.com/05GMHhuxd0
— CapFriendly (@CapFriendly) July 17, 2017
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Extension: Austin Czarnik (F) | Boston Bruins -> Boston Bruins | https://t.co/uprQyt1Qos #NHL
— EP Transfers (@ep_transfers) July 18, 2017
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Well, today the B’s made it official signing the 24-year-old to a one-year two-way contract worth a reportedly $650,000. Per terms of his two-way deal, the Michigan native could make earn his reported number in the National Hockey League, but if his services are needed as a depth forward in the American Hockey League with the Providence Bruins, he’ll make an estimated $150,000 next season.
#NHLBruins sign Forward Austin Czarnik to a one-year, two-way contract: https://t.co/wswhcCMZJY
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) July 18, 2017
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The undrafted forward that has the capabilities to play up the middle and on the right side had an outstanding 2015-16 AHL rookie season scoring 61 points in 68 appearances after a four-year collegiate career at the University of Miami (Ohio). In 49 career NHL games under his belt, the former NCAA RedHawks Captain posted 169 points in 159 games playing in the National Collegiate Hockey Conference.
Austin Czarnik signs a 1-year, two-way deal with the Bruins and will get another crack to prove he’s not a “tweener” https://t.co/efl77VWp5Q
— Joe Haggerty (@HackswithHaggs) July 18, 2017
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I know most Bruins fans that watched his NHL games might not be impressed with the skilled undersized forward, but he is a valued asset to the developmental core if his role is to play another year in the AHL next season. There’s no doubt he makes players around him better as he was instrumental in the success of Bruins forward Frank Vatrano’s time in the AHL where he went a career best 36 goals in 36 games. Austin is a good center and kind of reminds me of the “half-wall” player that former Bruin Marc Savard used to play especially on the man advantage.
For a player at 5′-9″ 160-pounds, he is very quick on the first stride and can create space from opposing players with his constantly moving feet. He has a great shot, and creative hands that make him an effective forward in tight situations and even tho his size will most likely be an issue moving upward to the NHL, he does have some decent strength against opponents and can fish out that loose puck in the gritty areas along the boards and around the crease. Great depth signing in my unprofessional opinion.
.@ACzarnik7 ties this game up. #HERvsPRO pic.twitter.com/FhswcVRtvJ
— AHL (@TheAHL) May 14, 2017
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.@ACzarnik7 makes it four unanswered goals for the @AHLBruins as they take a 4-2 lead. #HERvsPRO pic.twitter.com/YOOI6J7aAb
— AHL (@TheAHL) May 17, 2017
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I agree Mark, good depth signing and if he don’t make the opening day roster, he still gets decent pay in Providence. I know a lot of people including me who makes way less than $150,000 a year and that’s worst case scenario. And personally I think the timing was perfect. Czarnik knows there’s positions open on the Bruins roster and he’ll certainly push the promising rookies and vise versa. Czarnik pretty much proved last season he can play at this level, plus he showed a little pop..Should be a very exciting pre season with all our promising rookies at camp. I wish I had access to televised exhibition games this September..