From Sportsnet:

The Boston Bruins and defenceman Dennis Wideman have avoided salary arbitration by agreeing on a new four-year deal worth $15.75 million, Sportsnet has learned.

The 25-year-old, Kitchener, ON native made $600,000 last season.
In 81 games in 2007-08 Wideman scored 13 goals and added 23 assists for 36 points.

He was drafted by the Buffalo Sabres in the eighth round, 241st overall in the 2002 draft. The Bruins acquired him in a trade with St. Louis in 2007.

The Boston Globe and its excellent Bruins beat writer, Fluto Shinzawa have spoken to Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli who said an agreement was close but not completed as of yet (Wideman announcement ‘premature’):

GM Peter Chiarelli said the Bruins have not re-signed Dennis Wideman, although he said they are close to an agreement. According to a Sportsnet report, Wideman had signed a four-year extension.

“No announcement. Premature,” said Chiarelli, who was on vacation last week. “It’s going to get done. We’re tinkering with a couple things.”

Chiarelli said the final contract will purchase a year or two of Wideman’s unrestricted free agency. Chiarelli acknowledged that once Wideman signs his extension, the Bruins will need to make a move or two to get under the $56 million cap by opening night. Chiarelli said buyouts — there will be a three-day quiet period after Wideman signs, then a 48-hour window in which buyouts can take place — remain an option, as do trades and AHL assignments.