Boston Bruins Offseason Notebook: Horton Cleared, Julien Earns Extension, B’s Re-Up With CBS Boston

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Bruins, Head Coach Claude Julien Agree To Terms On Contract Extension

– Thirteen months ago, Claude Julien became the first Boston Bruins’ head coach to hoist the Stanley Cup above his head since Tom Johnson in May of 1972. The Blinder River, Ontario native was rewarded for his efforts this week, in receiving a brand new contract extension that will keep him in Boston for the foreseeable future (the exact length of the deal was not revealed).

Since being hired back in June of 2007, Julien has amassed an impressive 228-132-50 record behind the Boston bench while overseeing the development of franchise cornerstones Milan Lucic, David Krejci, Tuukka Rask and Tyler Seguin, amongst others. The Bruins have successfully secured a postseason berth in every year since Julien’s arrival in the Hub, including three seasons as Northeast division champions.

Throughout Julien’s five-year tenure in Boston, the Bruins have built a reputation as one of the league’s toughest and most intimidating teams to play against. This is due in large part to the discipline and commitment to defense that have been two of the most prominent staples of Julien’s squads over the past five years. These attributes have been a major reason behind the Bruins’ recent success.

“Over his tenure here he’s shown the ability to adapt. He has a very, very disciplined team – and that’s again a testament to his coaching. Yet at the same time his team is a very tough team, and that’s a very difficult balance to maintain and he’s been able to do that with success.” – Peter Chiarelli

After taking home the Stanley Cup in the summer of 2011, the challenge will remain the same as it was one year ago for Boston’s sixth-year bench boss; to remain hungry in search of the franchise’s seventh world championship.

“I said when I first came here, my goal was to try and win a Stanley Cup here in Boston. We’ve accomplished that. Now my goal is to win another Cup for this Boston franchise. I remain hungry. I remain committed and dedicated to understanding that the expectations here in Boston are always very high and I love that kind of standard because, again, that’s what makes you a better coach, that’s what makes you a better team.” – Claude Julien

B’s Announce New Deal With CBS Radio Boston

– The ice hockey renaissance that has taken place in Boston over the past half-decade can be heavily attributed to the Boston Bruins’ recent emergence as an elite NHL squad. However, a portion of the credit should also go to the hardworking crew at 98.5 The Sports Hub. Since the station’s launch in July of 2009, the team (and the sport)’s popularity have gone through the roof. In the past, hockey fans in the Hub didn’t have a place to talk hockey and voice their opinions on the Black and Gold. It’s been the dedication and commitment to the Bruins and to the sport of hockey shown by 98.5 The Sports Hub that’s given fans the proper outlet to discuss the sport that they love. On Tuesday afternoon, the Bruins announced an agreement on a new multi-year contract with CBS Boston radio to keep all B’s broadcasts on 98.5 for the next few seasons. “The Hockey Show” with host Damon Amendolara and Bruins’ radio duo Dave Goucher and Bob Beers was also extended to a two hour program every Wednesday night during the NHL season.

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Nathan Horton Cleared For Contact

– When top-line right wing Nathan Horton went down with a concussion in late January, the entire complexion of the Boston Bruins’ offense changed. From November on, the B’s looked like world beaters, compiling lengthy winning streaks on multiple occasions, including a incredibly impressive 14-0-1 stretch. With their 2011 playoff hero absent from the lineup, players were forced into expanded roles and asked to contribute more than normal. This would lead to the Black and Gold playing mostly .500 hockey for the remainder of the season, and become one of the main reasons the team was dispatched in round one of the playoffs by Joel Ward and the Washington Capitals.

During his Tuesday afternoon press conference, general manager Peter Chiarelli announced that Horton has fully recovered from his second concussion in as many seasons and was recently cleared to return to on-ice action.

“Nathan Horton has been cleared for contact and by all accounts from our medical staff will be ready to play when it comes time to play.” – Peter Chiarelli

This is welcome news for fans of the Black and Gold who realize just how important no. 18 is to the team’s success. Expect Horton to be back in action at training camp in September and return to his old spot alongside David Krejci and Milan Lucic.

East Improves As Rangers Land Rick Nash

The road to the top of the Eastern Conference became a lot tougher trek to navigate on Monday afteroon after the New York Rangers announced their acquisition of former Columbus Blue Jackets’ captain Rick Nash. The addition of a player like Nash to a forward group that already includes names like Brad Richards, Marian Gaborik and Ryan Callahan is quite the scary proposition for the Blueshirts’ Eastern Conference foes. Take a look at my piece from Tuesday on how New York’s blockbuster deal will effect the landscape of the Eastern Conference playoff picture in 2012-13.

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