After a successful weekend at the NHL draft in Los Angeles, the Bruins continued their building process on Monday, announcing the signing of future Hall of Fame winger Mark Recchi.
The 42-year old veteran became an instant fan favorite in Boston when he was traded to the Black and Gold at the deadline in 2009. His gritty style, locker room leadership, and experience combined with his 28 goals and 31 assists in 99 regular season games has earned him another year in Beantown.
In a conference call with the media on Monday afternoon," Recchi said, "I’m excited about the opportunity to come back. I think the Bruins are continually going in the right direction. I’m excited about the move and to be a part of the Boston Bruins again, it’s going to be something special."
Recchi, a seven-time NHL all-star and two-time Stanley Cup champ, began his discussions with Bruins GM Peter Chiarelli right after the season ended. He said that things went so smoothly, it wasn’t even a question of whether or not he would return.
Recchi is hoping that another year with his teammates will bring him another Cup.
"Last season, I think there was some unfinished business. I’ve never been so disappointed in the way things ended after a season as I was this year. I think we’ll be younger, faster and a better hockey team."
No stranger to the ice, Recchi has earned his stay in the league to the tune of 1,571 regular season games. He’s been playing this game longer than most of his fan base has even been around. His current regular season games played total ranks ninth all time, just behind former Bruins defenseman Ray Bourque.
So what makes the 5-foot-10 (graciously), 190-pound winger, commonly known as the "Recchin Ball" want to come back year after year to this tough, hard-nosed sport?
"I love the game, love practicing, love the training part. Although, on my first run I went for two weeks ago, about half way through I thought about retiring! But it’s been my life, I’m enjoying it still, why not play?"
Currently the oldest active player in the NHL, Recchi knows that age is just a number.
"I never felt bad at all [this year]. I still had lots left in the tank and in the playoffs. I knew right there that I was ready to go another season. Being a good father and making the right decision for my family was the most important. But my physical state wasn’t even a question."
It’s his passion and desire to play the game he loves with his teammates night after night that keeps him coming back for more.
"At the end of next year I’ll sit down, and give it more thought. But it’s definitely getting closer," he said." Whether this is it or not I’m not sure, but you start getting up there. I’m having fun and I love it, we’ll see what happens this year."
Boston is the seventh different team that Recchi has suited up for, and he hopes it will also be his last. He likes being in Boston, but there’s just one thing missing from his Black and Gold resume.
The future Hall of Famer is optimistic that it will happen.
