Bruins bring back Chara in front office advisory role

The Boston Bruins are bringing back longtime defenceman Zdeno Chara in a front office role.

The Bruins announced Thursday afternoon that Chara has been named a hockey operations advisor and mentor.

The team says that in his new role, Chara will work closely with both players and staff to provide advice in key areas.

“The Bruins organization is excited and proud to welcome back Zdeno,” said Bruins general manager Don Sweeney in a news release. “In his role as an advisor and mentor, Zdeno will share with our players and coaches his experience as a dedicated athlete, a respected leader and one of the NHL’s all-time greats.”

“Having played alongside Zdeno, I know firsthand the leadership, work ethic and professionalism he brings every day,” said Bruins head coach Marco Sturm in the same release. “We’re thrilled to have him back with the Bruins in this role, where his knowledge of the game will be a great resource for our players and staff.”

Sweeney said earlier this year the team was considering bringing him back in an advisory role.

“The Boston Bruins are excited to be exploring the opportunity to welcome Zdeno Chara in an advisory role that supports our players and coaches,” Sweeney told the Boston Globe in a story posted Jan. 29.

“We have had an open invitation and ongoing dialogue with Zdeno to return in some capacity whenever he felt it was right for both he and his family. Zdeno recently indicated he has interest to help and be involved.”

The 48-year-old spent 14 of his 24 NHL seasons with the Bruins, serving as Boston’s captain for the entirety of his time there. He helped the Bruins to a Stanley Cup title in 2011 and won a Norris Trophy in 2009.

Chara retired from the NHL in 2022 after spending his final season with the New York Islanders.