Sep 23, 2013; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Bruins defenseman Zdeno Chara (33) and defenseman Dennis Seidenberg (44) after a goal during the third period against the Washington Capitals at TD Banknorth Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
In all of the excitement of the Bruins home opener win against the Tampa Bay Lightning, I was totally remiss to share another great piece of news with Bruins Nation. Last night, the Boston Bruins announced the contract extension of veteran Bruins blueliner Dennis Seidenberg. The Bruins and Seidenberg agreed to a four year, sixteen million dollar contract. The contract includes a no-trade clause for the first two and a half seasons, and a partial no-trade deal for the rest.
Obviously, the Bruins organization is excited with the news. Having a steady blueliner is key to the Bruins style of defensive-minded hockey. “He’s been one of our core guys since we got him,” Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said announcing the extension. “You hear me talk often about character guys; he’s definitely that on and off the ice. He plays our style — heavy game, 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 and takes good care of himself. Frankly, he wanted to stay here so it was easier to get it done for that reason.”
He’s one of those steady players that has a fantastic work ethic, a dedication to his job, and the undying respect of his teammates. Keeping him here for the next four years can only reap positive things for the Bruins organization. He’s a good teacher for the young blueliners like Torey Krug, Matt Bartkowski, and Dougie Hamilton. He’s a solid companion for Adam McQuaid and Johnny Boychuk. He’s also the unofficial second in command of the defensemen, right behind Bruins captain Zdeno Chara.
Seidenberg is thrilled to remain in Boston.
“It was very important,” said the German-born defenseman. “I have a lot of fun playing here. The coaches have trust in me and that’s the most important thing. I mean, if I go somewhere else for a lot of money and things don’t work out that way, it’s always — I think the on-ice situation is the most important part. We have a good team here and in the future I think we’re going to be good for a lot of years.”
“If they want to trade me, I don’t want to be here, right? It’s good for both sides. It’s a deal that works out for both sides. I want to be here and they want me here and both sides gave a little bit and I’m really happy to be here for another five years.”