Besides re-signing Jeremy Swayman, the Boston Bruins have another essential move to make.
The Boston Bruins' top objective remaining for the 2024 NHL Offseason is to re-sign star goaltender Jeremy Swayman. The Anchorage, Alaska native remains a restricted free agent as we inch closer to September, but he recently expressed optimism that a deal will be finalized.
While getting Swayman re-signed is, without a doubt, the Bruins' most important task remaining, it is not the only big move they could make soon. Bruins captain Brad Marchand is entering the final season of his eight-year, $49 million deal, meaning he is eligible for a contract extension. Given the fact that the 36-year-old winger is still one of the Bruins' top players, getting him signed to a new deal should be one of their top priorities.
Back in May, Bruins GM Don Sweeney made it abundantly clear that he wants to finalize a new contract with Marchand. Here is what the longtime NHL defender said on the matter:
"Yeah, we're going to get to Brad. He's learning patience as a captain as well. So, he has to learn there's some ducks in a row in terms of adding to our group and how he wants to add to that, and those guys that don't have contracts up ahead. Eventually, he'll extend here."
Sweeney expressed further interest in extending Marchand, noting that Marchand will be a lifelong Bruin.
"He'll be a lifelong Bruin. That's what we should do. But we'll check that box."
Given how important of player Marchand is even at this juncture of his career, it makes sense that Sweeney is very interested in getting Marchand extended. In addition, besides still being a member of their top six, he has thrived as the club's top leader and has blossomed into one of the best players the franchise has ever had. Due to this, it truly is a no-brainer for the Bruins to keep him around, and a new deal should eventually come to fruition.
Marchand appeared in 82 games this past season for the Bruins, posting 29 goals, 67 points, and a plus-2 rating. He followed that up with a strong postseason, recording three goals and 10 points in 11 games.
In 1,029 career games over 15 NHL seasons with the Bruins, Marchand has 401 goals, 929 points, 1,051 penalty minutes, and a plus-292 rating.
