Pair of big name players sign extensions prior to the trade deadline
February 20th, 2018 -
The Bruins and Lightning both locked up key players for the foreseeable future, killing any speculation that either of them could be dealt at the deadline this year.
Boston got a steal of a deal signing Brad Marchand to a six year contract at a serious hometown discount. Marchand will make an AAV of $5.71 Million. The star winger has 31 goals and 70 points through 58 games and is on pace for his fourth straight season of producing at least a point per game. A year removed from their second Stanley Cup of this decade, the Bruins make a savvy move to keep a core piece around at a bargain price. "I believe in this group of guys, we have something special here and I really want to continue to be a part of it and bring another Cup to Boston," said Marchand.
The Lightning gave captain Steven Stamkos a five year extension worth $8.5 Million per year. Stamkos is on pace for his best statistical season ever, with 40 goals and 81 points already through 59 games. The Lightning have looked dangerous the past couple seasons and with Vasilevskiy in net and Hedman patrolling the blueline and now captain Stamkos locked up long term Steve Yzerman's club could be on the cusp of greatness.