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Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Signing Is A Win-Win For All

By Andrew Thompson

Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) shakes hands with Team Russia goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) at the end of a semifinal game in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Canada defeated Russia 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 24, 2016; Toronto, Ontario, Canada; Team Canada forward Brad Marchand (63) shakes hands with Team Russia goalie Sergei Bobrovsky (72) at the end of a semifinal game in the 2016 World Cup of Hockey at Air Canada Centre. Canada defeated Russia 5-3. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Forward Brad Marchand will now likely spend his entire NHL career playing for the Boston Bruins.

That’s probably the best piece of news fans of the Boston Bruins have heard this season. A short while ago, Bruins forward Brad Marchand signed an eight-year, $49 million contract extension. This extension will keep Marchand with the Black and Gold through the 2024-25 season. The hit to the cap will average out at $6.125 million.

Everybody wins with this signing.  The Boston Bruins lock up one of their best players with a career-length contract. Brad Marchand gets to stay with the team he’s spent his entire NHL career with (454 NHL regular season games and 66 postseason games), and will continue to be a solid combination of speed, scoring, and snarl for the considerable future. The fans are happy that we’re hanging on the Boston’s “Little Ball of Hate”, and the Bruins front office look really good for the first time this offseason.

“This is an extremely exciting day for me and my family,” said Marchand. “I would like to thank the Jacobs family, Cam Neely, Don Sweeney, Claude Julien, the coaching staff, my teammates and our fans for their continued support and belief in me. I have been a Bruin since the start of my pro career and there is no place I would rather play. I look forward to doing everything I can to help our team achieve success and bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston.”

Marchand is currently representing Team Canada in the World Cup of Hockey, along with linemate Patrice Bergeron, and coach Claude Julien. Team Canada will take on Team Europe (and fellow Bruin Zdeno Chara) on Tuesday in the first game of the gold medal round.

Marchand has been impressive in the World Cup Tournament. He’s earning accolades for his play. He’s received multiple ‘Star of the Game’ honors during the tournament, and is currently ranked second in overall scoring (behind Sidney Crosby).  His game has evolved from being an obnoxious agitator, and it’s clear he’s truly an elite player in the NHL now.

“Right now, where he is with Team Canada, he’s also very respected by his teammates for the way he prepares, the way he plays, and everything else,” said Julien of Marchand and his development.  “He’s come a long ways. And, at the same time, what better example to grow and become better when you’re playing alongside probably with one of the best two-way centers in the league?”

Next: Boston Bruins Extend Brad Marchand For Eight Years

When Bergeron and Marchand return, they’ll take their places on the Bruins top line. Last season, the two of them were responsible for putting up 129 points (69 goals) for the Black and Gold. Of those 69 goals, 18 were earned on the power-play and five were netted while the Bruins were shorthanded.  They’re considered by many to be one of the top-five duos on the ice right now, and with a few tweaks the Bruins should find themselves in the playoffs at the end of this season.

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