Bruins sign Julien to multi-year extension

Boston, MA (SportsNetwork.com) - The Boston Bruins signed head coach Claude Julien to a multi-year contract extension on Sunday.

Julien is currently in his eighth season behind the bench for Boston. He was named the 27th head coach in franchise history on June 21, 2007 and has compiled a 317-171-65 in 553 games.

The 54-year-old led the Bruins to a Stanley Cup Championship in 2011 and has guided the Bruins to the playoffs every year of his tenure. Boston finished 54-19-9 last season to win the Presidents' trophy with 117 points.

Only Detroit head coach Mike Babcock, who has guided the Red Wings to a .613 win percentage in 791 games, has a longer tenure with his current team then Julien.

"Coaching is a difficult profession at the best of times and what Claude does in implementing structure in his systems, and having a solid defensive foundation while allowing freedom in offensive play is no easy task." Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said. "During his time with the Bruins, he has excelled in maintaining this difficult balance, and his longevity here speaks volumes. He has coached the Bruins to a Stanley Cup and a Cup Final appearance and our goal to win with him at the helm remains the same as we move forward."

Julien won the Jack Adams Trophy as the league's top coach in 2008-09 and holds the club's career coaching record with 57 playoff wins.

Before his time in Boston, Julien served as head coach for the Montreal Canadiens (2002-06) and the New Jersey Devils (2006-07).