BOSTON – The Boston Bruins have re-signed forward Petteri Nokelainen (PET’-tree noh-kuh-LIGH’-nen) to a multi-year contract.

The deal was announced Wednesday, one day after the Bruins signed right wing Michael Ryder in hopes of strengthening their mediocre offense.

Terms of Nokelainen’s contract were not disclosed.

Nokelainen, of Imatra, Finland, had careers highs last season with 57 game appearances, seven goals, three assists and 10 points. The 22-year-old had two assists in the postseason.

He began the season with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League, before being recalled to Boston on Nov. 4. The 22-year-old was drafted 16th overall by the New York Islanders in the 2004 entry draft. He was acquired by the Bruins last September in exchange for Ben Walter and a conditional 2009 second round draft pick.



AP-ES-07-02-08 1540EDT