Bruins GM: We expect Spooner to be 'impactful player'

The Boston Bruins avoided arbitration with center Ryan Spooner on Wednesday, coming to terms on a one-year deal that will pay the 25-year-old $2.8 million.

With 214 games and 117 points under his belt, it's a bit of a wonder why Spooner isn't more of a recognized name. Especially considering his ability to score on the power play - a fact that is not lost on Boston general manager Don Sweeney.

Related: Bruins settle with Spooner on 1-year deal

"We know Ryan has the offensive skills to be an impactful player, especially while on the power play," Sweeney said, according to NHL.com. "We expect Ryan to continue to take the necessary steps with his development to be an even more complete, two-way player."

Over the last two seasons, the Ottawa native has tallied nine goals and 26 assists on the man advantage while serving as a key contributor on the Bruins' top power-play unit. But, Spooner recognizes that he needs to add another element to his game in order to be a more complete player.

"I think the next step that I need to make is when the offense kind of dries up I need to be able to be more of a dependable, defensive guy," Spooner said.

"That's kind of what I need to work on. And if that's strength or kind of the mental side of the game, that's kind of for me to figure out, that's what I've been trying to do and trying to get to the gym and just kind of work on my game."

Spooner is coming off a 2016-17 campaign in which he registered 11 goals and 28 assists to go along with three game-winning goals.