Zdeno Chara returns to the Boston Bruins!

This just in, the Boston Bruins have hired franchise icon Zdeno Chara for as a consultant and a mentor to the Bruins' players, according to Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe.

"The Boston Bruins are excited to be exploring the opportunity to welcome Zdeno Chara in an advisory role that supports our players and coaches," Bruins GM Don Sweeney said in a statement to the The Boston Globe. "We have had an open invitation and ongoing dialogue with Zdeno to return in some capacity whenever he felt it was right for both he and his family. Zdeno recently indicated he has interest to help and be involved. While his schedule and role are still unfolding, we believe he can make a positive impact on the organization as a mentor to our players and advisor to our coaching staff."

Chara retired from the NHL in 2022 and has spent the past two years living a quiet family life. But now, he's reportedly ready to get back into the hockey world and is ready for a new challenge in a familiar setting.

Chara, of course, is viewed as one of the greatest leaders in NHL history for his role in chaning the culture of the Bruins franchise after signing a free agent deal with the team in 2006. He was named team captain upon his arrival, and won the Norris Trophy as the NHL's best defenseman in 2009.

Chara helped the Bruins make the playoffs in 11 of his 14 seasons in Boston, including the team's dramatic run to a Stanley Cup title in 2011. The Bruins made two other Cup Finals during Chara's tenure, in 2013 and 2019.

He finished his career with two seasons playing for the Washington Capitals and New York Islanders, but he'll likely go down in history as a Bruin. He's eligible for induction into the Hockey Hall of Fame this summer, where he will almost assuredly get in on his first ballot.