9:48 PM: Marchand himself has rejected the earlier report from Friedman. In a short conversation with Matt Vautour of Mass Live Sports, Marchand said, “I’m not big about talking about contract stuff in the media. But that report from Elliotte is false. Elliotte is just wrong. That’s about it“.
8:46 PM: A few moments ago on Sportsnet’s ’Saturday Headlines’ segment, Elliotte Friedman reported the Boston Bruins are close to extending their captain Brad Marchand. Friedman indicated the extension would be a three-year term but didn’t offer any insights on the deal’s salary.
It’s a distinct change of mood in Boston after Marchand and head coach Jim Montgomery passionately exchanged pleasantries in last week’s overtime loss against the Utah Hockey Club. A turnover by Marchand led to a game-tying goal by Utah (the goal was later overturned upon review) and Mongtomery was visibly frustrated with Marchand’s response.
Both Marchand and Montgomery downplayed the interaction with the latter saying, “Between Marchy and I, there didn’t need to be a conversation. Him and I are both emotional people. I’m not ecstatic with myself about it, but I don’t think about it afterwards and neither does he. He’s a pro. He’s a great player that does so many good things for us, and he has high expectations as well. So, for us, that’s over and done with“.
The frustrations are understandable for a Bruins team struggling out of the gates. Boston holds a 3-4-1 record through eight games but appears headed toward a victory against the Toronto Maple Leafs this evening.
It’s difficult to say Marchand hasn’t been a part of the problem either. The entire blame can’t be placed on his shoulders but his play on the defensive side of the puck continues to depreciate and he’s only managed five assists this season.
There’s understandable expected regression for a player heading into his age-37 season on his next contract. Still, the Bruins have continued to rely upon Marchand well into the back half of his career. Since his age-31 season in 2019-20, Marchand has scored 139 goals and 370 points for Boston in 348 games (excluding this year’s results) while averaging just over 19 minutes of ice time per night.
His playoff exploits are well-known, and it could be one of this extension’s major contributing factors. Marchand hasn’t carried Boston back to the Stanley Cup Final since turning 31 but has been one of the most consistent postseason talents in franchise history scoring 26 goals and 55 points in 49 games from 2020 to 2024.
Marchand’s extension in Boston should be the first in a line of several for the team this season. The Bruins organization still needs to craft new deals for forwards Trent Frederic, Morgan Geekie, and John Beecher by the start of the 2025-26 season but signing their captain to an early extension puts momentum in the right direction.
You have got to be kidding! Marchand has had 4 or 5 surgeries in the last year and a half, Pushing 36 year’s old, Sweeney would be a fool to extend Marchand. LMAO!!!!
That is precisely why he will. The Rat has slowed down and the B’s would be better off without him
Great point. The Bruins would be better off without a player who put up 67 points last season. Where do you come up with this stuff?
Not the first time that we have had a conflictual report about the Bruins’ contracts, probably there is a liar in the Bruins organization.
Not surprised. Friedman is a word salad guy with little insight, He rarely breaks big stories.
I don’t know what you are talking about. Friedman is probably the one hockey nut that has the ear of the NHL the most out of anyone. You are probably thinking Seravalli.
I know my pretend insiders.
You clearly don’t know anything!
And we know randos who just pop off on comment sections (because let’s face it, no one genuinely serious uses ‘LMAO’). There’s no “pretend” about Friedman, and the number of times he’s cited on PHR is more than anyone else.
So I take it that an extension is imminent.
Boston’s front office doesn’t have much credibility right now.