Boston Bruins 2011-12: Free Agent Brad Marchand "Anxious" to Get Deal Done

The Boston Bruins and restricted free agent Brad Marchand still have not reached a contract agreement, but the forward is "anxious" to get a deal done, according to ESPN Boston.

Marchand scored 19 points in 25 playoff games last year in helping the Bruins win the Stanley Cup for the first time in 39 years, but with about a week left until veterans report to training camp, Marchand still has not committed to the Bruins.

Via ESPN Boston:

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“You know what, it’s how it goes sometimes and it’s been a long summer. I’m anxious to get something done."

“I’m not thinking that far ahead right now, it’s just day-to-day and hopefully it gets done before then,” said Marchand, who also said he is updated every day by his agent. “I really don’t know. I’ll leave it up to my agent. I hope so but then again we’ll see.”

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Marchand is an important part of the Bruins future, and is one of many young offensive players Boston is counting on to remain a top franchise.

Marchand became a fan favorite last season because of his high energy, clutch goal scoring, and rough and tough style of play that the Bruins as a team execute to perfection.

Many fans are wondering why a deal is taking so long, because after all Marchand has previously stated he's happy in Boston, and the team does not have to give him a massive deal right now.

It's been a busy summer for the Bruins players and management, and with the team having played into June last season, summer vacation was shortened for everyone.

General manager Peter Chiarelli has had other team matters to attend to other than Marchand's contract situation this summer, and it's likely Marchand's deal was one of the last items Chiarelli got to on his offseason checklist.

Marchand addressed how the shortened summer has gone for him and his teammates.

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“With winning the Stanley Cup, it’s been very busy for everyone trying to plan their parties and have their day with [the Stanley Cup] and it’s been a very short summer,” Marchand said. “A lot of stuff to do in a very short time so sometimes things take longer than others. It’s just taken a little longer than maybe some other stuff, that’s all..."

"

A contract of two to three years at around $2.5-3.5 million per season is reasonable for Marchand, who has only played one full NHL season and has yet to prove he can be a consistent offensive threat.

If Marchand receives a two year contract, he'll be able to show that he's a top-six forward and will receive a good sized contract in a few seasons.

The Bruins would be smart to get Brad Marchand signed and into training camp next week so the fans can relax, and the team won't be distracted by it when camp opens.

Nicholas Goss is a Boston Bruins featured columnist for Bleacher Report and was the organization's on-site reporter for the 2011 Stanley Cup Finals in Boston. Follow him on Twitter for NHL news and analysis. Follow @NicholasGoss35.