According to reports, there won’t be a reunion between the Boston Bruins and former captain Brad Marchand this summer.
NHL source Elliotte Friedman claims that Marchand has signed a six-year contract extension worth just under $32 million, indicating that he plans to stay with the reigning Stanley Cup champions for the long run.
Ahead of what first appeared to be a grueling offseason, the Panthers have finalized their business with the 37-year-old wing’s long-term agreement. However, Florida is said to have already dealt with its three best free agents in Marchand, Sam Bennett (eight years, $64 million), and Aaron Ekblad (eight years, $48.8 million) prior to the official start of NHL free agency on Tuesday afternoon.
The veteran appeared to be in a strong position to cash in this offseason as one of the best free agents available in what has already turned into a bleak market after a great playoff run from March and this spring (10 goals, 10 assists in 23 games).
However, it appears that the future Hall of Famer chose to put term first in his last major NHL contract, accepting yet another below-market salary in this era of increased cap protection in exchange for the assurance of a massive six-year agreement.
Marchand will be 43 years old when his new contract with Florida expires in 2031 if he plays out the whole term.
With nearly all of its key players now committed for the long term, the Panthers should be ready to compete for the next few seasons as Stanley Cup favorites, even if the last few years of Marchand’s contract could be unpleasant.
Both the Bruins and the Toronto Maple Leafs expressed interest in speaking with March should he become available on the free agent market, according to Pierre LeBrun of TSN on Sunday. The Utah Mammoth were also mentioned as a possible suitor for March’s services should he choose to enter free agency.
However, Marchand will try to win a couple more titles in Florida and tease his old team in the Atlantic Division, only weeks after winning a Stanley Cup with one of the Bruins’ most infamous opponents in recent memory.
Since 2023, Conor Ryan has worked as a staff writer for Boston.com, covering the Boston Bruins, Celtics, Patriots, and Red Sox.
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