Marchand ‘anxious’ to get deal done with Bruins

By Joe Haggerty
CSNNE.com Bruins InsiderFollow @hackswithhaggs
Brad Marchand remains unsigned and anxious to get a deal done with Boston in the last few days before the start of training camp, and all signs point toward a deal getting done sooner rather than later.

Two years ago, when Phil Kessel sat in a stalemate with the Bruins over a contract, the Bs knew the sniper didnt want to be in Boston anymore and pulled all images of the winger from the video they showed season ticket holders at the State of the Bruins event at TD Garden.

But his time around there are plenty of Marchand plays on the video shown to the fans, and a source indicated to CSNNE.com that the two sides werent that far apart in a protracted negotiation thats lasted through the summer.

One report stated that the Bruins were sniffing around on the trade value for the agitating winger, but Chiarelli indicated that the team was still doing everything in its power to come to an agreement.

Its neither contentious nor amicable. Its just a normal negotiation and its not done yet, said Chiarelli. Hes obviously a good player and a good kid, and we want to get him signed.

It appears the Wade ArnottMarchand camp are in the same neighborhood as the Bruins on a two-year deal for the restricted free agent that would be similar in term and money to contract extensions signed by Tampa Bays Teddy Purcell and San Joses Logan Couture. Marchand appears to be on target something in the two year, 5 million range once the two sides can finally formalize an agreement, but it doesnt appear that No. 63 will be allowed to skate in training camp if a deal hasnt been signed on the dotted line.

Thats something Id had have to discuss with the agent and the player, said Chiarelli. Were not at that point yet. Hed only be allowed to skate without a contract in camp if I allowed him to.