The Bruins have made a move on trade deadline morning. No, it's not a trade. Instead they have signed defenseman Parker Wotherspoon to a one-year extension worth $800,000, according to multiple reports.
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It's well deserved for Wotherspoon, who signed over the summer on a one-year, two-way deal. After starting the season in Providence, he has worked himself into an everyday role on the Boston blue line, pending any potential moves to come later Friday.
Wotherspoon, 26, had played just 12 NHL games before this season, spending nearly six full seasons with the Islanders' AHL affiliate in Bridgeport.
Bruins scouts had identified him as a player who always played Providence tough, though, and so Don Sweeney and company decided to take a flyer on him over the summer.
It's paid off. Wotherspoon has played 32 games this season and has provided steady third-pairing defense while bringing some physicality, killing penalties and making simple, effective plays when he has the puck. The Bruins have a 53.9% goals-for percentage during his 5-on-5 shifts and 51.7% expected goals, which ranks third among Boston defensemen.
Wotherspoon has passed Derek Forbort on the left-side depth chart of late and has earned more ice time, topping 18 minutes in six straight games. Even if the Bruins add on defense on Friday or in the summer, Wotherspoon's ability to play either side and even slide up in the lineup at times makes him a valuable, versatile player to have.