Brad Marchand may be playing for a new outfit in 2025 but that does not deter him from publicly revealing his respect for his former team manager.
Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins were unable to agree on a contract extension. As a result, Marchand is now being traded to the Florida Panthers. The former Bruins captain made his first appearance in the media after the recent trade. However, he has made it clear that he does not hold any grudges towards his previous team.
After his final season with the Bruins and his second season as the captain of the team in 2025, the 36-year-old forward became an unrestricted free agent. Boston is going to retain 50% of his salary from the eight-year-long $49 million contract.
He was the longest tenured player at the Boston Bruins outfit. He has made the NHL All-Star team four times as the forward for Boston Bruins. Additionally, he also won the Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2011.
As Marchand discusses his feelings towards his former outfit, he says-
“The one thing I always respect, I told Cam and Sweens this, they have a job to do and they have to make the best decisions for the team. I completely understand where the decisions need to be made. It sometimes works against you.”
Marchand was rather emotional about his trade to the Panthers. He has spent the last 16 seasons at the Boston Bruins. Marchand reveals that he is rather disappointed that he could not stay longer with the team; however, he is still proud of his tenure at the Bruins.
“That’s why I believe Sweens is one of, if not, the best general manager in the league. I watched him for a very long time excel at this job and those in the organization and know the effort he puts in every day and how hard he works, no one would question where his loyalty lies and that is to do what’s best for the team every day… He did create this opportunity for me to be here, so I am grateful beyond words.”
The former captain of Bruins may not have gotten what he wanted. Although, his disappointments won’t sway his respect towards his former team and management. As a result of his trade, Marchand has received a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL draft.
However, there’s also a clause in the contract which says Bruins will become the first pick of the 2027 or 2028 NHL draft under certain conditions.
If the Panthers manage to win the first and second rounds of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Marchand appears in at least 50% of the team’s playoff games, this clause will come into effect.
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