Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Signs 8-Year Extension
Boston Bruins: Brad Marchand Signs 8-Year Extension With Team
The Boston Bruins have signed Brad Marchand to an eight-year contract extension worth $49 million. News broke Monday that the Bruins and Marchand were nearing an extension, and the deal will come as no surprise to fans in Boston. The contract breaks down to a cap hit of $6.125 million per season.
This news comes ahead of Team Canada’s World Cup of Hockey Finals against Team Europe. Marchand, along with Patrice Bergeron, has been an integral part of Canada’s team throughout the tournament.
Marchand was drafted with the 71st overall selection in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft and has shined in his time in Boston. Since his rookie season in 2010-11, Marchand has been a mainstay in Boston’s lineup. A 21-goal, 41 point rookie campaign topped off with a Stanley Cup victory made it abundantly clear that Marchand was here to stay. Though Marchand had a good rookie season, his playoff performance that year might be what Bruins fans remember the most.
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From his play as a pest, to his already-developed two-way ability, to his offensive production, Marchand was an integral part of the Bruins first Stanley Cup victory since the 1972 season. In 25 games, Marchand scored 11 goals and 19 points while also posting 40 penalty minutes.
No Sophomore Slump
While many rookies fall off in their sophomore years before rebounding in their third seasons, Marchand has never slowed down. In fact, Marchand only got better from his rookie season to his second full season as a pro. In 76 games, Marchand scored 28 goals and 55 points. His penalty minutes increased from 51 to 87, which is a testament to Marchand’s fearless play, as well as the rest of the league’s disdain for the 5-foot-9 forward, more than anything.
Marchand has only gotten better in his time since then, become more of a leader in Boston with every passing season. After a breakout 37-goal season last year, Marchand showed that he’s among the elite goal-scorers in all of the NHL. A fact that resulted in a huge contract for Boston’s “little ball of hate.”
The general consensus seemed to be that Marchand would sign a contract worth $7.5 million per season for roughly seven or eight years. In the end, Boston was able to save some money on that estimated amount; money that can now be used elsewhere.
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This contract is both a testament to Marchand’s skill level, but also his loyalty. There’s no doubt that Marchand could have received more money on the open market, but his previous claims of wanting to be a Bruins lifer were clearly true. Marchand has proven his worth at every level in his career, and should continue to for years to come.