Bruins' Marat Khusnutdinov signs 3-year, $3.95-million extension: Why the timing was right New York Times (Online) Fluto Shinzawa The Boston Bruins have signed Marat Khusnutdinov to a 3-year, $3.95 million extension, the team confirmed Wednesday. Khusnutdinov, 24, is in the second season of a two-year contract worth $ 1.85 million annually. His new deal kicks in next summer Khusnutdinov has two goals and three assists in 10 games this season while averaging 13:41 of ice time. He has most recently been the team's No. 2 left wing, skating alongside Fraser Minten and JJ Peterka. The 24-year-old was scheduled to be a restricted free agent on July 1, 2027. The Bruins were proactive in extending Khusnutdinov because they have a good idea of what he is and what he might become. Marco Sturm has developed trust in Khusnutdinov as a fast-twitch, high-energy forward, and Sturm has praised Khusnutdinov for his hockey sense and puck pursuit. Khusnutdinov projects to be a second- or third-line forward who can play both wings. He is averaging 2:14 of short-handed ice time per game, the most among team forwards. His next step will be to become a more consistent offensive force. He can score off the rush because of his speed, and is also willing to do the dirty work in high-danger ice. Khusnutdinov scored the deciding goal in the Bruins' 4-1 win over the Los Angeles Kings on Oct. 17 by going to the net and tapping in a loose puck. The Bruins acquired Khusnutdinov from the Minnesota Wild on March 6, 2025, along with Jakub Lauko and a 2026 sixth-round pick, in exchange for Justin Brazeau. Minnesota did not re-sign Brazeau, who was a pending unrestricted free agent.