The Boston Bruins dealt checking line center Mark Mowers on Monday to the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for minor league defensemen Nathan Saunders and Brett Skinner.

The Bruins likely made this move to accommodate the potential signing of forward Glen Metropolit, a training camp invitee who has not only impressed with his pre-season performance but is also believed receiving interest from other teams.

Rather than risk losing Metropolit to another club the B's dump Mowers $475K contract and could use the savings to sign Metropolit.

It's also possible that their acquisition of two minor league blueliners could suggest the possibility of Matt Lashoff or Bobby Allen making the Bruins roster, which would facilitate a need to bolster their minor league blueline depth.

As for the Ducks, this move was done out of necessity as checking line center (and 2007 Selke nominee) Samuel Pahlsson is still sidelined after sports hernia surgery. Mowers will make an affordable depth acquisition for the Ducks until Pahlsson returns.