© Getty Images

BOSTON — Brad Marchand had three surgeries this offseason and is hoping to be ready for the start of training camp, the Boston Bruins captain revealed Tuesday.

“I really didn’t start training intensively until roughly two weeks ago,” Marchand stated following the Bruins’ captains practice. “So, I’m just beginning to regain my rhythm. The aim is to be fully prepared for camp, or at the very latest, shortly afterwards. But for now, I’m just easing back into the routine. I’m ready to tackle everything head-on.”

Marchand underwent surgery for a torn tendon in his elbow, a sports hernia in his groin, and another sports hernia in his abdominal area.

“Last summer, I injured my arm and had to play with it all year,” said Marchand, explaining when the injuries happened. “I had resolved that if it kept bothering me into the summer, I would have it treated. The other two injuries occurred a month before the season ended. They continued to bother me throughout the summer, so I decided to have them treated as well.”

The 36-year-old forward had 67 points (29 goals, 38 assists) in 82 games in the regular season after replacing the retired Patrice Bergeron as Bruins captain. He had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 11 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Boston lost to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in six games in the Eastern Conference Second Round.

The Bruins open training camp Sept. 18.

“Much work lies ahead,” stated Marchand. “My past summer was atypical, and it may take the season’s onset to get back into the swing of things. Even a bit into the season, perhaps. But my plan is to use the coming two months as a makeshift summer. I’ll train and skate in my usual summer fashion, starting from this point onward.”

I believe the most significant challenge is likely restoring my conditioning to its previous level. That seems to be the main issue at hand. My strength is more or less intact. I need to concentrate on increasing power and conditioning to return to my optimal state.

In terms of readiness, where is he now?

“Since I’m just beginning, I’m currently at the bottom,” said Marchand.

Marchand is about to embark on the last season of his eight-year contract, worth $49 million, with an average annual value of $6.125 million, which he signed on September 26, 2016. Since being picked in the third round (No. 71) of the 2006 NHL Draft, he has spent all his 15 seasons playing for the Bruins.

When questioned about the progress of a new deal, Marchand chose not to publicly discuss any potential negotiations.

Marchand has previously stated his intention to continue playing until he reaches at least 40 years of age.

“Let me make this clear, I will not discuss contract matters in the media,” stated Marchand. “There was a report recently, I believe from the Hockey News. I’m uncertain where their information is sourced from, but it certainly wasn’t from us. We have no intention of discussing it further.”

Whatever transpires will remain confidential within our team and general manager Don Sweeney. I won’t expound on it any further. I believe there’s ample respect between us to handle it. That’s all I can say on the matter.