Report: Bruins begin critical negotiations with Brad Marchand.

The Boston Bruins had a relatively dull offseason, with the most notable change to their roster coming in the form of the loss of forward Loui Eriksson in free agency. That being said Bruins management is now facing a critical contract negotiation with forward Brad Marchand, who's value is only amplified by the loss of Eriksson on the wing.

According to a report from DJ Bean of WEEI Sports the Bruins have confirmed that they are getting negotiations starting now, despite there still being a year left on Marchand's deal, likely wanting to avoid any potential prospect of Marchand becoming a free agent.

Speaking at the end of the team’s annual development camp at Ristuccia Arena, Sweeney confirmed that he has indeed began negotiations with Marchand’s agent. Marchand, who is entering the final year of a contract that pays him an average of $4.5 million annually, will be 29 when his next contract starts in the 2017-18.

While it's clear the Bruins want to get this deal done, general manager Don Sweeney left open the possibility that the deal wouldn't get done by implying that Marchand needed to do his part in the negotiation.

“It always takes two sides to make a deal, and I would envision that he’d like to be part of this organization for what could be arguably his whole career, but Brad has a say in this as well.”

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