The Boston Bruins face a notable offseason with several restricted free agents to manage, but Morgan Geekie remains the top priority in their contract extension discussions. Geekie displayed a breakout performance this past season with 33 goals and 57 points over 77 games, nearly doubling his previous career-high and showing consistent growth.

General manager Don Sweeney conveyed to Steve Conroy of the Boston Herald on Wednesday that the Bruins have been actively engaged in discussions with Geekie’s camp since the season’s conclusion. Sweeney commented on the negotiations, saying,

“We’ve been in constant communication with Morgan’s camp since the time the season ended. I have no issues with the timeline of our discussions. We’d like to get it done. We know that it’s going to be somewhere between a one- and an eight-year deal. How’s that?”

This statement reveals the Bruins’ intention to finalize a deal for Geekie, although the exact terms remain uncertain. While there is some concern around potential offer sheets from other teams, Sweeney expressed more focus on securing Geekie rather than fearing external bids.

Geekie’s preference to avoid arbitration and reach agreement with Bruins

Morgan Geekie has one year remaining as a restricted free agent, which means the Bruins and Geekie must negotiate a contract extension or risk entering arbitration. Geekie has expressed a clear desire to sidestep arbitration, acknowledging it as an undesirable outcome for both sides.

Geekie shared his thoughts in an interview with The Athletic, stating,

“Nobody wants to do that. It’s a really tough situation for both parties involved. I’d love for it not to get to that point. Because obviously at that point, your negotiations are a little too far apart.”

The Bruins have past experience navigating arbitration with goaltender Jeremy Swayman, which prolonged their last round of negotiations well into training camp preparations. Both parties are motivated to avoid such delays this summer.

Geekie also recognized the business aspect of contract dealings in the NHL, remarking,

“Yeah, it’s a business. Both sides have to make a decision. I have that right. I’d love not to exercise it. But sometimes it’s a business, unfortunately.”

His awareness of the negotiation realities signals a mature approach to resolving his contract status efficiently.

Implications for Bruins and Geekie as training camp approaches

Reaching a timely agreement is anticipated to benefit both the Bruins and Morgan Geekie by providing stability ahead of the next season and allowing the team to focus on its quick summer retool. Locking Geekie into a long-term deal would secure the services of a rising star whose recent production has made him an integral part of Boston’s future plans.

With ongoing open communication, the Bruins and Geekie’s representatives appear positioned to find common ground, aiming to avoid protracted negotiations or arbitration hearings. How this contract extension progresses will be a key storyline leading into training camp and could influence roster decisions moving forward.