BOSTON, MA – Boston Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli announced Wendesday that the team has acquired defenseman Shane Hnidy and a sixth round draft choice in the 2008 NHL Entry Draft from the Anaheim Ducks in exchange for forward Brandon Bochenski.  Hnidy is expected to be available for the Bruins next game on Thursday, January 3 against the Washington Capitals.

A veteran of 369 games over his seven years in the NHL, the 32-year-old Hnidy has tallied 1 goal and 2 assists in 33 games for the Ducks this season.  He is currently riding a streak where he is plus or even in 16 consecutive games (+8 over the 16 game span).  Last year as a member of the Atlanta Thrashers, he recorded career bests in games played (72), goals (5), assists (7) and plus/minus rating (+15). 

Hnidy was originally selected by the Buffalo Sabres in the seventh round (173 overall) of the 1994 NHL Entry Draft.  He was traded to the Ottawa Senators on June 25, 2000 for an eighth round pick in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft and made his NHL debut with the Senators on October 5, 2000 against the Boston Bruins.  Hnidy played three-plus seasons in Ottawa before being dealt to the Nashville Predators for a 2004 third round selection on March 9, 2004.  After playing the 2004-2005 season in Florida of the ECHL, he was acquired by the Atlanta Thrashers on July 30, 2005 in exchange for a 2006 fourth round pick.  He signed with Anaheim as a free agent on July 5, 2007.

Bochenski appeared in 20 games this season for the Bruins and registered six assists.  Obtained by the Bruins in a trade with the Chicago Blackhawks on February 3, 2007, Bochenski tallied 11 goals and 11 assists in 31 games last year.  Bochenski has 21 goals and 26 assists over his 101-game NHL career.

The Bruins have four home games over the next eight days, beginning Thursday night, January 3 when they host the Washington Capitals at the TD Banknorth Garden at 7:00 p.m. ET.