Marchand dodges questions about interest in signing with Penguins

It's hard to ignore how good Brad Marchand looks on a line with Boston Bruins teammate Patrice Bergeron and Pittsburgh Penguins star center Sidney Crosby at the World Cup of Hockey.

Marchand is entering the final year of his contract with the Bruins, and can become an unrestricted free agent next summer. As such, the 27-year-old - fresh off a two-goal performance in Canada's semifinal win over Russia - was asked whether a small part of him is willing to wait and see if the Penguins will offer him a contract on the open market.

His response was diplomatic.

"That's a long ways away, but there's championship games here, we got to think about that first," Marchand answered. "But we'll deal with whatever needs to be dealt with down the road. But it's a lot of fun playing with Sid, there's no question about that. But for now, we'll keep that to here."

Crosby (three goals, four assists) and Marchand (three goals, two assists) rank first and second in total points at the World Cup. There's been much talk over the years about a lack of star wingers to fully complement the best player in hockey's game.

Marchand has excelled alongside Bergeron in Boston for years, and the Bruins have said they hope to reach an extension with Marchand before the start of the regular season.

If that doesn't happen and Marchand goes through 2016-17 without a new deal, talk of a move to Pittsburgh may only grow louder, especially if the connection strengthens in the World Cup final.

That's where Marchand's focus remains for now, and surely Bergeron won't let his longtime winger out of his sight that easily.