Are the Bruins close to a contract extension with Brad Marchand? What’s the latest on the Canadiens? Are the Leafs any closer to moving Timothy Liljegren? Find out in the Sunday NHL Rumor Roundup.
LATEST ON MARCHAND’S CONTRACT TALKS WITH THE BRUINS
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman claims the Boston Bruins are closing in on a contract extension with captain Brad Marchand. The 36-year-old forward is slated to become an unrestricted free agent in July. He carries an annual cap hit of $6.125 million on his current contract.
Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand (NHL Images).
Friedman said the word is the two sides were getting close to a three-year deal.
BOSTON HOCKEY NOW: Asked about Friedman’s report, Marchand said it was false and wouldn’t make any further comment about his contract situation.
“Elliotte likes talking about me this week,” said the Bruins captain. “I’m not going to talk about contract stuff in the media. That report from Elliotte is false. If I was going to sign a three-year extension, it would be signed. Clearly, Elliotte is just wrong here.”
SPECTOR’S NOTE: An emphatic denial from Marchand. Nevertheless, the two sides have held contract talks. Boston Hockey Now’s Andrew Fantucchio referred to comments by Bruins general manager Don Sweeney on Sept. 30 indicating they’ve had “plenty of discussions”.
Marchand has spent his entire 16-season NHL career with the Bruins. He’s been very loyal to the franchise but he’s also been underpaid on his current contract. Because of his age, he’s unlikely to get a significant raise on his next deal. Still, he might not be interested in a big pay cut to stay in Boston.
The two sides might not be close to a deal right now but it wouldn’t be surprising if Marchand ends up staying in Boston on a short-term contract.
CANADIENS SHOPPING FOR A FORWARD
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman pointed out the Montreal Canadiens were in the market for a defenseman. He indicates they’re also considering adding a forward who plays with an edge. However, they’re telling teams they won’t do anything that interferes with their long-term plans.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: They’re not moving their young core players or top prospects. There is speculation suggesting defenseman Arber Xhekaj could be available but there’s no indication he’s being shopped or if the Habs are entertaining offers.
AN UPDATE ON LILJEGREN
SPORTSNET: Elliotte Friedman said he’s been asked on social media what’s going on with Timothy Liljegren. The 25-year-old defenseman was the subject of media trade chatter earlier this month.
Friedman believes it’s something the Leafs continue to work on.
THE ATHLETIC: Harman Dayal and James Mirtle recently listed several teams they believed to be potential destinations for Liljegren. They include the Utah Hockey Club, San Jose Sharks, and Los Angeles Kings.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Utah and LA need some experienced depth for their injury-depleted bluelines while the rebuilding Sharks need all the help they can get. So far, however, they don’t seem interested in Liljegren.
Liljegren’s been a healthy scratch from eight of the Leafs’ nine games this season. That won’t improve his value in the trade market.