Bruins' Sweeney wants Marchand contract talks to start sooner than later

Few players fit into a team's persona like Brad Marchand does with the Boston Bruins, and general manager Don Sweeney wants to make sure the alluring winger stays put.

Marchand's contract doesn't expire until 2017, but Sweeney wants to make an extension a priority this summer, along with the pressing issue of re-signing key players Loui Eriksson and Torey Krug, who become unrestricted and restricted free agents respectively July 1.

"We're going to look at Brad right away ... early on here in the process once we get past that first wave in July," Sweeney said, according to Joe Haggerty of CSNNE.com. "We'll have some good discussions. We'd prefer that we're tracking on the earlier side of things. He's a big part of our hockey club."

Both sides can officially begin discussing an extension beginning July 1 as well.

Marchand has long been a integral member of the Bruins, winning the Stanley Cup in 2011 and chipping in at least 20 goals in every non-lockout season since.

The 28-year-old has developed outstanding chemistry playing with Bruins' franchise centerman Patrice Bergeron, and scored a career-high 37 goals this season, earning him a spot on Team Canada's World Championship and World Cup of Hockey roster.

Marchand has previously stated he'd be happy to remain in Boston, and with his production continuing to rise, he'll be due a raise from his current cap hit of $4.5 million.