Zdeno Chara returns to Bruins as Hockey Operations advisor and mentor

Zdeno Chara, the towering former captain and Hockey Hall of Famer, is returning to the Boston Bruins in an advisory and mentorship role, the team announced Thursday. The Bruins named Chara their Hockey Operations Advisor and Mentor, saying the 48-year-old will work with players and staff at practices, home games and in the front office to strengthen communication, aid the development of defensemen and serve as a resource for the club’s development staff and AHL affiliate in Providence.

The team described Chara’s duties as building relationships between players and coaches, attending team activities and making periodic visits to connect with prospects. General manager Don Sweeney said in a statement that the organization is "excited and proud to welcome back Zdeno," calling him a dedicated athlete and respected leader whose experience will benefit players and coaches.

Chara returns five years after leaving Boston as a player, following stints with Washington and New York, and after being elected to the Hockey Hall of Fame in June in his first year of eligibility, the Bruins noted. He captained Boston for 14 seasons, leading the franchise to three Stanley Cup Final appearances and...