The Bruins have accepted Blake Wheeler's $2.2 million award and have signed the winger to a one-year deal, according to general manager Peter Chiarelli.
Wheeler, a 6-foot-5, 205-pounder, popped 18 goals and assisted on 20 more last season for the B's in just his second NHL campaign.
In 163 career games played with the Black and Gold, Wheeler has 39 goals and 44 assists, as well as a plus-32 rating.
The B's front office wasted no time snagging Wheels, as the arbiter awarded the 23-year-old forward a $2.2 million award on Thursday night. Boston had 48 hours to make a decision to either sign him to a one-year deal or let him become an unrestricted free agent.
"It is never a pleasant experience for either side to go to arbitration," Chiarelli in a statement. "However, as a manager, you know that the player will be under contract for the following year either way. We talked to Blake before and after the hearing and we are satisfied to have a good, young player under contract for another year."
The Minnesota native made $875,000 during the 2009-10 season.
