Bruins, Marchand agree to two-year deal

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

BOSTON -- The Bruins and pesky forward Brad Marchand have agreed to a new contract as training camp looms.

With less than 48 hours remaining before NHL players need to report for physicals, the restricted free agent, who became a key cog in Boston's run to a Stanley Cup this spring, signed a two-year deal worth US$5 million on Wednesday.

Marchand, 23, earned a raise on the $600,000 he made as part of his entry-level deal last year. He scored five goals during the Stanley Cup finals versus Vancouver, including two in Game 7.

In 77 regular-season games last year, Marchand had 21 goals and 41 points.

"It's a great fit for both of us. I'm happy with the term," Marchand said. "We talked about a little longer (deal), and I think that was just more about a little more security.

"But I think this was just a perfect fit for both parties."

In the playoffs, Marchand, a native of Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia, was second overall in goal scoring with 11 goals in 25 games. That total was also tops among rookies. He also posted eight assists, to go along with a plus-12 rating.

Marchand, a third-round selection in 2006, has played a total of 97 regular-season games with Boston. And he helped lead the Bruins, just a No. 4 seed in the Eastern Conference, past the Canadiens, Flyers, Lightning and Canucks to win the title.

"He had a terrific year," Bruins general manager Peter Chiarelli said, "and a terrific playoffs."