It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours. We’re in the early part of the regular season, but the rumours just keep rolling. The focus is on the ice for the 2024-25 season. However, general managers are always casting an eye forward to the future. We’ve seen a number of big extensions get signed in the last couple of months. This edition of NHL rumours focuses on the Boston Bruins and the team nearing an extension for a vital player.
All NHL rumours come from the source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Boston Bruins Nearing New Deal for Important Player
Rumour: In the latest edition of Headlines on Hockey Night in Canada, Bruins captain Brad Marchand and the Bruins are closing in on a three-year extension. However, the veteran forward was quick to shoot down those reports.
Equal time: Per @masslivesports, Brad Marchand said the following report was false. We will see how things play out.https://t.co/EobF9UwAZV
— Elliotte Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) October 27, 2024
Analysis: It seems like Boston general manager Don Sweeney is trying to take care of a big piece of business. Sweeney is trying to make sure Marchand doesn’t get out into the open market on July 1, 2025. Marchand potted the overtime-winner against the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday night and may get an extension to boot.
It’s been an eventful week for Marchand after he was chewed out by head coach Jim Montgomery in a game against the Utah Hockey Club. However, the captain has put it behind and defended his coach’s actions.
Boston have struggled out the gate, but Marchand finally got into the goal column in the victory over Toronto. The 36-year-old has 402 goals and 533 assists for 935 points in his great career. A new deal here would keep Halifax, Nova Scotia native with the Bruins.
Keep the Band Together
Marchand is in the final year of a deal that sees him making $6.125 million per season. Friedman didn’t mention what a dollar value on the prospective deal would be.
One wonders if Marchand will get a bump in pay or would do what Sidney Crosby did with the Pittsburgh Penguins. Some thought that Crosby would get that raise, but he decided to keep the same salary of $8.7 million.
Marchand giving some sort of break to Sweeney could help the Bruins keep some important players or go after other targets. Boston does have players like Trent Frederic, Cole Koepke, and Justin Brazeau as unrestricted free agents. Some type of discount could allow Boston to keep the band together.
There is precedent with Bruins players taking a pay cut or keeping their respective salary similar. Patrice Bergeron and David Krejci have done this in the past.
What It Could Mean
Marchand may be in the latter stages of his career. However, he’s still been a key contributor for the Bruins.
He’s always willing to anything to help his team win. Marchand can score goals or get under the skin of the opposition in order to keep the Bruins as a contender.
Sweeney has been able to make over his roster somewhat, but keep the Bruins in the mix. Marchand has been there for everything and it looks like he’ll be part of the plan if the initial reports do come true.
Main photo by: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images
