Fast forward to this year and Brad Marchand. One month after winning the cup where he turned a few heads. Drafted in 2006, and finally living up to his potential - who should we believe? The last note I saw said progress is being made. This makes me think of what is happening behind closed doors. I know that Marchand used to have an edge when he came into training camp. I remember a fight with Chara a few years back. He did some stuff Julien didn't like. He said some things he shouldn't have.
So I figure Chia is asking for a 3-4 years deal, probably near 12-13MM, under $4MM per. Marchand probably think he deserves something north of $4MM. Look at Ryder and Kaberle as two recent examples. What do you think the difference was that would make them bolt out of town? I don't think it was 250K or 500k. Maybe millions? Would they have offered Ryder something like $2MM? Or Kaberle 2.5MM? Penny pinching? Is that what Stamkos and Doughty are? No one seems to think that, so why should we think anything more of the Marchand situation.
We'll see, as the new season is fast approaching. I won't be the least bit surprised if they turn heads again, trade him for some prospects and picks and we hear a new tune - it turned out he didn't want to remain a Bruin, it was evident, his work ethic lacked a bit, he had some coachng issues, etc etc etc.
All I know if that he has the higghest selling jersey among the Bruins (Last time I heard), Tshirts as well - and I think his agent probably knows that means big cash in numbers. Else Marchand would be a Bruin today.
