Shawn Thornton has signed a two-year, $1.625 million extension with the Bruins. In 74 games, the 32-year-old tough guy scored one goal and nine assists while recording 141 penalty minutes. Thornton, who skated on both sides of the fourth line, averaged 9:02 of ice time per game. Thornton recorded 21 fights, including his beatdown of Matt Cooke in the first Boston-Pittsburgh game following Marc Savard’s concussion.

“Shawn’s been a terrific soldier for us in the time that he’s been here,” said GM Peter Chiarelli. “He’s always among the leaders in fisticuffs. I won’t say fighting, because it’s an art for Thorny. He knows his role. He has an offensive side that comes out, probably more two years ago than last year. I know he can provide some offense on the forecheck. Tremendous character, good in the room, wants to be in Boston. It was a good decision that we made and a relatively easy decision that we made. We’re happy to have him back.”


Thornton was in the last season of a three-year contract. He would have been an unrestricted free agent on July 1.

“I wanted to be a Bruin for as long as possible,” said Thornton. “We love the city. We love being here. I’m still here. I’m really happy to be back. I’m glad we could make it happen.”

Thornton will carry an $812,500 annual cap hit.

* Chiarelli said that Tyler Seguin and Taylor Hall are scheduled for visits to Boston. Chiarelli will visit Hall and his family at their home in Kingston, Ontario, either next week or the week after. Chiarelli and assistant GMs Jim Benning and Don Sweeney spent time at the Seguin family home in Brampton, Ontario, last week.

* Discussions continue with some of the free agents-to-be, said Chiarelli. He didn’t identify which players are in negotiations.