New Bruins forward Peter Schaefer

Much like his new teammate, Manny Fernandez, Peter Schaefer saw the writing on the wall this summer, and expected to be moved to another team.

"I was not really surprised," said Schaefer via cell phone. "A few guys had the feeling that they were not going to be there after they had the change of staff in Ottawa.

"(Those) guys were probably a bit on edge, and there were rumors," he said.

What exactly does one do, in the interim, when you think you are going to be traded?

"I tried to stick around Ottawa," said Peter, laughing because he's now traveling on Canada's west coast. "I missed it by a few days.

"I was trying to see if something was going to happen…I was pretty close to right, but just a couple days off (the mark)."

Schaefer, the Black & Gold's newest winger, is psyched to be a Bostonian.

"I am really excited," he said of his move to an Original Six city. "It is a good feeling.

"It is a change for me, but going to Boston, which is a great city – a great hockey city -- I am really excited to get there."

Asked what he will contribute to the Bruins, Peter pretty much described the grit that GM Peter Chiarelli had pledged to bring to the city earlier this off-season.

"I would say that I play strong on the boards," said Schaefer, "I am a winger that probably over passes and tries to set up goal scorers. I can score myself, but I look to make a lot of plays and hang onto the puck and be strong in the corners."

Having played against Boston many times, Schaefer is looking forward to his chance to wow the Garden faithful with his blue-collar work ethic.

"I always show up three, three and a half hours before the game," he explained. "The trainers may hate me in Boston, but I always like to get there and get prepared.

"I like to have fun and enjoy myself (but more importantly) I like to play hard every night."

Noting the evolving situation in his new city, Schaefer looks forward to proving himself to his new organization and is not intimidated by the prospect.

"Like I said, I am excited for change," said Schaefer. "I am ready to come in and show everyone what I can do.

"I look forward to a strong season as a Bruin."
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Media Relations Intern Hannah Goldman contributed to this report.