Unrestricted free agent Bryan Berard signed for the Boston Bruins on Tuesday.

The former number one pick in the NHL draft and rookie of the year played with the New York Rangers last season.

But the Rangers decided not to pick up a $3m option on his contract and the defenceman has been in talks with a number of teams about a deal.

The 25-year-old has signed with the Bruins for one year, with the option of another season with the club.

Berard was the first overall pick for Ottawa in the 1995 draft before being traded to the New York Islanders in 1996.

He made his debut in the 1996-97 season with the Islanders and won the Calder Trophy as the leading rookie after scoring 48 points.

After two seasons he was traded to Toronto in 1999 but suffered a serious eye injury that saw him miss over a year.

He played all 82 games for the Rangers last season, scoring two goals and 21 assists.