Bruins sign Seidenberg to four-year extension

The Boston Bruins announced Thursday that they have signed defenseman Dennis Seidenberg to a four-year contract extension worth $16 million, a salary-cap hit of $4 million annually. The contract begins next season and runs through 2017-18.

Seidenberg, 32, scored four goals finished with 17 points to go with a plus-18 rating in 46 games for the Bruins in 2012-13. He had one assist and was plus-1 in 18 games during the Stanley Cup Playoffs as the Bruins reached the Final before losing to the Chicago Blackhawks in six games.

"I think he's been one of our core guys since we got him," said general manager Peter Chiarelli, who acquired Seidenberg from the Florida Panthers in March 2010. "You hear me talk often about character guys; he's definitely that, on and off the ice. He plays our style -- [the] heavy game that we like. He's been a warrior for us. There's a lot of things that he has that are compatible with the way we want to play.

"He's 32, but we feel he's in very good condition, keeps good care of himself and frankly he wanted to stay here, so it was easier to get done for that reason."

In 581 NHL games with the Bruins, Panthers, Carolina Hurricanes, Phoenix Coyotes and Philadelphia Flyers, Seidenberg has 34 goals and 188 points along with 242 penalty minutes and a plus-14 rating. He also has three goals and 21 points in 69 playoff games, and was a member of Boston's Stanley Cup-winning team in 2011.

"I think it’s a deal that works out for both sides, and like I said, I want to be here, they wanted me here, and both sides gave a little bit and I think at the end, it’s good," he said. "I’m really happy to be here for another five years.

"We have a good team here, and in the future I think we’re going to be good for a lot of years."