Bruins Lock Up Future

Linemates Brad Marchand and Tyler Seguin, who would have been restricted free agents at the end of this season, have both agreed to contract extensions with the beginning in the 2013-14 NHL season. Marchand signed a four-year, $4.5 million per season contract, which will keep him in the black and gold until the 2016-17 season. Seguin has agreed to a six-year contract extension worth $5.75 million a year, keeping him in Boston until the 2018-19 season.

The 24-year-old Brad Marchand is coming off a successful season with the Bruins. In just his second season with the team, Marchand recorded 28 goals and 27 assists totaling 55 points. Over the two years Marchand has been on the Bruins, he has established himself as a reliable goal-scorer, and an effective agitator.

Marchand expressed his joy of being back in Boston. “I’m very excited to be back here - back with the Bruins - signed to an extended number of years, especially with a great organization, a great group of guys.”

The left-winger feels very confident about the Bruins future. “With the group of guys we have and with the opportunity we have ahead of us, we have such a great team and we’re going to be a very strong team for years to come. And I think we can have the opportunity here to do some very good things and especially make a couple of good runs at the Cup.”

Tyler Seguin, the 20-year-old youngster, also showed improvement on the ice after his sophomore season with the Bruins leading the team with 67 points, registering 29 goals and 38 assists.

In a conference call, Bruins General Manager Peter Chiarelli talked about the promising future of Seguin. “He’s a young, exciting player. He’s maturing before our eyes, and I feel that with the hard work that he’s shown us and the willingness to put in that hard work and continue to improve, I think the sky is the limit for Tyler.”  

Seguin, who always expressed his willingness to stay in Boston, is happy to be back for an extended period of time.“I started my career here. I fell in love with my first visit. I’m a Bruin, and I’m happy to be a part of this group of guys, they’re my brothers, and I’m happy I can start a life here."

“We’re trying to lock up our core.” Chiarelli simply noted on his reasoning to sign both players. “It may fly in the face of the labor situation at this time but we feel very strongly about the core of our team.”

Peter Chiarelli has mentioned time and time again how much he believes in the core of this team. Although it is likely that Chiarelli extended Marchand and Seguin in fear of the NHL locking out, extending important members of the nucleus establishes the promising future of the Bruins while simply maintaining Chiarelli’s belief.