BOSTON – Brad Marchand had a slow start this season, but Bruins they are not worried about their captain’s long-term prospects.

Conformable SportsNet’s Elliotte Friedman in Canada, Marchand and the Bruins are close to a contract extension.

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According to Friedman on SportsNet’s “Headlines”:

“Word is the Bruins and Marchand are closing in on an extension that is expected to be three years. We’ll see what happens in the next moment, but they say it’s coming.”

If the term is correct, that would bring Marchand to his 40th birthday and the end of his career.

The report came shortly before the Bruins defeated Toronto in overtime.

Before the season, Sweeney the recognized conversations had begun with Marchand.

Marchand, who had offseason surgery, said he doesn’t plan to publicly discuss his desire for an extension or the stage of any negotiations.

“I’m never going to talk about contract stuff in the media,” Marchand said after the captains’ practice Tuesday at Warrior Arena. “Whatever happens will remain between Sweens and our team. There is enough respect between the two sides that we can deal with it.”