It is time for another round of NHL rumours. The NHL season is approaching its start date, and training camps will shortly open. The focus on current season will begin soon, but there is always an eye on the future. Some significant players may become free agents by the end of the season. Some players have already signed contracts, but others face an uncertain future. Today’s NHL rumours focus on a crucial Boston Bruins player who may be heading into the unknown.
Brad Marchand, the Boston Bruins’ captain, spoke with Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com before training camp began. Marchand is entering the final year of his contract and is aware that this could be his last season with the club.
Analysis: Marchand would look weird in anything other than the black, white, and gold sweater. Marchand, on the other hand, is 36 years old and has yet to vanquish Father Time. The Halifax native is entering the final year of his contract, which pays him $6.125 million per season.
Marchand’s offseason has not been easy, as he underwent three operations to address separate concerns. However, Marchand will be available for training camp later this month.
The B’s and Marchand have an air of uncertainty about them, as this could be his final season wearing the spoked B sweater. However, there appears to be interest in returning beyond this season.
Brad Marchand had 3 surgeries this summer, on his elbow (torn tendon), groin and sports hernia in his abdominal area. He is hoping to be ready for camp.
— Amalie Benjamin (@AmalieBenjamin) September 3, 2024
Behind Closed Doors
Marchand added that both sides want to keep conversations behind closed doors. This appears to be on the same course as negotiations between the Pittsburgh Penguins and captain Sidney Crosby. It appears that both sets of conversations will be kept confidential until an agreement is imminent.
Marchand is aware that Bruins General Manager Don Sweeney may not offer him a new deal. Age, injury history, and potential regression could all play a role in negotiations between the two parties. With the exception of one full season, the forward has scored more than 20 goals with the Bruins.
Parts of the 2011 Stanley Cup champion Bruins have fallen apart, with captains Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron departing in recent years. Marchand’s turn may come, although he has been a valuable member of the club over the last few seasons.
There’s Still Hope
Despite certain concerns, there appears to be an interest in continuing their collaboration beyond 2024-25. Sweeney hasn’t offered Marchand a new contract, but that could change at any time. Marchand is free to sign a new contract at any time because he is entering the final year of his current contract.
During his interview with Benjamin, the veteran forward indicated that he hopes to play until he is at least 40. He also told The Athletic’s Fluto Shinzawa that the battle for younger players will be tough.
Marchand, on the other hand, has been doing his part in recent seasons and has taken over as captain from Bergeron. A settlement will most likely be reached, but “the waiting is the hardest part,” as the great Tom Petty once stated.
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