Bruins hire Pandolfo, extend AHL affiliation

The Boston Bruins hired former NHL forward Jay Pandolfo as development coach Wednesday and announced a long-term affiliation agreement with their American Hockey League affiliate, the Providence Bruins.

"Jay got a good sense of how we approach things during his time as a player here," general manager Peter Chiarelli told the Bruins website. "He has a real common-sense approach that focuses on commitment and dedication. These are attributes that he showed also as a player and he will use in development of our younger players and prospects."

Boston assistant general manager Don Sweeney added the job of Providence general manager to his responsibilities.

"Don takes a lot of pride in the development and success of the younger players, most of whom come through Providence," Chiarelli said. "Don has been in charge of Providence for some time now and he will continue to oversee that important relationship with enthusiasm and passion and ultimately, success."

Pandolfo, 39, will be responsible for aiding in the development of players and prospects throughout Boston's farm system. He appeared in 899 NHL regular-season games with the New Jersey Devils, New York Islanders and Bruins, finishing with 100 goals and 226 points. The native of Burlington, Mass., had 11 goals and 33 points in 131 Stanley Cup Playoff games and won the Stanley Cup with New Jersey in 2000 and 2003.

"I am very excited to start the next chapter in my career and rejoin the Boston Bruins organization," Pandolfo said. "Working with the younger players in the system and helping them improve as professionals is an opportunity I am grateful for and a challenge that I look forward to."

The Providence Bruins have been Boston's AHL affiliate since their inception in 1992. More than 190 players who've seen action with Boston have played for Providence, including goalie Tuukka Rask and center Patrice Bergeron.

"During the past eight years, I have been very fortunate to have been afforded the opportunity to work closely with some outstanding people in Providence," Sweeney said. "I can fully attest to their total commitment to developing young men as both aspiring NHL Players and quality people."