Conference call transcript

The Boston Bruins have signed center Phil Kessel to a multi-year contract, it was announced today by Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli. Terms of the contract were not released.

"Phil is a player with world-class speed and gifted offensive talents," said Chiarelli. "We feel he is ready to begin his professional development and we are looking forward to seeing him compete at training camp.”

Kessel, 18, was Boston’s first pick, fifth overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft held on June 24, 2006 in Vancouver. He played one season of college hockey at the University of Minnesota in 2005-06, finishing second on the team and sixth overall in league scoring with 18 goals and 33 assists for 51 points in 34 games while also leading his club in plus/minus with a +22 rating. He was named the WCHA’s Rookie of the Year and earned a berth on the WCHA All-Rookie Team.

The 6'0", 189 lb. native of Madison, Wisconsin is a product of USA Hockey’s National Development Team and in 2004-05 he became that program’s all-time leader in career goals (104) and points (180). He has played for Team USA in two World Junior Hockey tournaments (2005, 2006) and in 2006 led all tournament players in scoring with one goal and ten assists for 11 points. He competed in USA Hockey’s National Junior Evaluation Camp last week in Lake Placid, NY and led the team in scoring during that tourney with three goals and four assists for seven points in four games.