Brad Marchand had a breakout season in 2016, scoring 37 goals, which made him the 6th leading goal-scorer in the league. The small, speedy winger has been one of the few bright spots on a Bruins team that has not made the playoffs since 2014. Since coming into the league, Marchand has been a known pest that gets under the opposing team’s skin. The agitating ability, combined with prolific goal-scoring has made Marchand one of the key pieces in the Bruins lineup. All of this success comes at a price, however, and Marchand is set to become a free agent on July 1, 2017.
Brad Marchand currently has a cap hit of $4.5 million at the end of a 4 year, $18 million contract. With his offensive production, Marchand is due for a sizable increase in salary when he signs his next contract. Don Sweeney has openly mentioned that he is trying to extend Marchand this offseason rather than risking a distraction during the season. Marchand not only had 37 goals, he also had 61 points. The stellar offensive play by the left winger gives him the leverage to ask for a significant increase in pay, which the Bruins have historically given to home grown players.
Based on comparable NHL contracts, it is safe to say that Marchand’s pay will increase by at least $1 million per year. Jeff Carter, who produced the same amount of points as Marchand, is paid $5.27 million per year. Carter is 3 years older than Marchand and is on a long term contract that he signed at the age of 26. Marchand is currently 28 years old and has been the Bruins leading goal scorer multiple times. Another comparable contract is former teammate Loui Eriksson. Eriksson received a 6 year, $36 million contract, giving him an average annual value of $6 million per year. Eriksson is also 3 years older than Marchand.
In the NHL, the current team of an expiring player has the option to offer an 8th year under contract that cannot be obtained through free agency. The Bruins will likely exercise this right with Marchand and offer him an 8 year extension that he could not get from any other team. This term is not unheard of for good young players under the age of 30, but is risky nonetheless.
Goal scorers are the most valued players in the NHL. Marchand has evolved into a consistent 25+ goal scorer and deserves to be paid as such. Based on comparable players, Marchand will most likely receive a contract with an average annual value between $5 million and $6 million. Marchand is still in his prime and is coming off of his best goal scoring year. The longer it takes for Sweeney to lock Marchand up, the more money the winger will demand.
Brad Marchand has been an integral part of the Bruins lineup since his rookie year in 2011. The Bruins cannot afford to lose him after this season and must exhaust all means necessary to keep the young star. He will continue to lead the team in goals in the coming years and has been the best offensive player for the Bruins. Marchand must be resigned.
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