Bruins Sign Campbell, Agree in Principle With Kelly

The Bruins announced on Wednesday that two familiar faces will remain with the team for a few more years, signing Gregory Campbell and agreeing in principle with Chris Kelly.

B’s center Campbell signed a three-year, $4.8 million extension. Kelly, on the other hand, has agreed on principle but hasn’t signed yet due to a payroll tagging issue -- part of the NHL salary cap -- which keeps him from signing until July 1.

Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli -- joined by Campbell and Kelly -- held a conference call with the media on Wednesday where he spoke highly about the two centers.

“They’re two really important pieces to our team and our effort to keep the team together as much as possible,” Chiarelli said.

Since winning the Stanley Cup, the Black and Gold have done their best to try to keep that winning team intact. Actually, Kelly and Campbell both passed up the opportunity to earn more money with other teams due to their experience and chances of winning with the Boston Bruins.

“Just going to the rink every day and playing in front of passionate hockey fans has been a great experience,” Kelly said. “This team has the opportunity to be a great team for a lot of years.”

Campbell added to Kelly’s statement admitting that a big reason for staying in Boston is due to the chemistry the B’s have in the locker room and on the ice. Soupy said that all of his teammates texted him to congratulate him once he signed his new deal, just another indication of the special bond they share.

“Can’t say enough about the glue that Gregory gives us and his style of play,” Chiarelli said. “Gregory epitomizes the Bruins style of play.”

Both Soupy and Kelly spoke about this year’s Stanley Cup Playoffs and how watching the Kings lift the Cup made them feel a sense of urgency to relive that moment which they enjoyed just a year ago. Kelly even said it gave him a bit of a “sick feeling” to watch LA lift the Cup, but he also noted that to his advantage the B’s have had a longer summer to prepare for another playoff run next year.

As for other roster moves, don’t expect to see much more from the Bruins. Chiarelli said adding another player is still in the realm of possibility but he proclaimed that he feels really good with the lineup they have right now.

“This is as solid a forward group as you can get so if we do nothing that's fine. But if something comes across we'll look at it,” Chiarelli said.

Notes: Bruins have not decided whether or not they will bring back Benoit Pouliot next year …. GM Peter Chiarelli has not spoken with Tim Thomas since he publicly stated his decision of not returning next year. Chiarelli has confirmed through Thomas’ agent that nothing has changed and he still plans on sitting out the 2012-13 season.

Follow @Andy_Deossa on Twitter