Brad Marchand signs 8-year, $49M contract extension with Boston Bruins

The Boston Bruins have signed Brad Marchandof HammondsPlains, N.S.,to an eight-year contract extension worth $49 million US.

The extension runs through the 2024-2025 season for the feisty forward.

"I have been a Bruin since the start of my pro career and there is no place I would rather play. I look forward to doing everything I can to help our team achieve success and bring the Stanley Cup back to Boston," said Marchand in a posting on the team's website.

The Bruinswon the Stanley Cup in 2011.

Marchand's contract was previously extended in 2012 and was worth $18 million over four years.

Marchand is coming off his best season as a pro, recording career highs in goals (37) and points (60).

His goal total for the season was the most by a Bruin since the 2002-2003 season when Bridgewater's Glen Murray notched 44 goals.

Marchand is currently representing Team Canada at the World Cup of Hockey in Toronto.

Marchand was originally drafted by the Bruins in the third round of the 2006 NHL draft and played part of his junior hockey career for the Halifax Mooseheads.