Adam McQuaid signs new deal with Bruins after Hamilton trade: Report

SUNRISE, Fla. – If this were a magician’s act, your eyes would still be firmly focused on figuring out the trick. In other words, the Boston Bruins’ quick signing of pending UFA defenseman Adam McQuaid moments after announcing the trade of 22-year-old defenseman Dougie Hamilton to the Calgary Flames isn’t distracting anyone from the damage done.

Speaking of damage: Adam McQuaid.

McQuaid has played 125 games of a possible 212 games over the last three seasons, thanks to a collection of injuries. He’s scored three goals and 14 assists in that time.

The Bruins signed him to a 4-year deal with an average annual value of $2.75 million, according to Bob McKenzie.

In this ultra-thin free-agent market, he’d probably have gotten more than that from someone as an unrestricted free agent. But still: He jumps from $1.4 million to $2.75 million after a contract where his value arguably depreciated.