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Mark Kastelic Agrees To Contract Extension with Bruins
Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images

Mark Kastelic has seamlessly fit into the lineup and culture of the Boston Bruins this season, and now the team is keeping him around for the foreseeable future.

The Bruins signed Kastelic to a three-year contract extension on Friday afternoon with an annual cap hit of $1.567 million, which will keep him in Boston through the 2027-28 season.

Kastelic, 25, has posted 11 points with four goals in 39 games thus far during his first year in Boston. Although, offense is hardly the reason why the Bruins locked the forward up before he became a restricted free agent at the end of the season.

A gritty, physical presence on the fourth line, Kastelic has been a constant source of energy for the Bruins all season. Whether it be with a hardnosed effort on the forecheck or a strong stand in the defensive zone, he empties the tank on each and every shift. He currently leads the team with 151 hits and can typically be found right in the middle of any action after the whistle.

Dropping the gloves is one of Kastelic’s favorite ways to provide a spark. With six fighting majors already this season, Kastelic has been unafraid to go toe-to-toe with some of the league’s best brawlers, either in defense of one of his teammates or just for his own amusement. When the dust settles, the opposing player usually leaves, regretting that they ever accepted the challenge in the first place.

Kastelic first joined the Bruins as part of the package they received from the Ottawa Senators for Linus Ullmark.

At the time, Kastelic was pretty much an unknown commodity in Boston. In just a few short months, he’s made himself into a fan-favorite and a vital piece of the lineup for years to come.

This article first appeared on Boston Hockey Now and was syndicated with permission.

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