Former Boston Bruins captain Patrice Bergeron is not enjoying life without Brad Marchand. In a recent interview he told a funny and sweet story about his kids asking for a Florida Panthers jersey with Marchand’s name on it. His response? “Too soon for that”
This is just a small example of how tough it is to move on from Marchand leaving the Boston Bruins, the end of an era for one of the greatest duos in the NHL.
Patrice Bergeron Stays Loyal to Boston Bruins
Bergeron’s love for the Bruins goes deep, even in retirement. On NESN recently, the six-time Selke Trophy winner told a funny and revealing story about his family’s reaction to Brad Marchand’s trade to the Florida Panthers. After 14 years alongside Marchand, Bergeron said even his kids were caught up in the excitement of their favorite player joining a new team.
“My kids were asking for a Marshy Florida jersey,” Bergeron said with a laugh. “I said, ‘Too soon for that.’”
His response says a lot about the emotional attachement to seeing Marchand, a player who became Bruins, leave for another team. For Bergeron, it’s not just about jerseys, it’s about keeping the legacy of a player who meant so much to Boston hockey.
Brad Marchand’s Departure Marks the End of an Era
Marchand to the Florida Panthers ends an era for the Bruins. Over a decade as a building block of the organization and he’s gone. The trade his gone and fans and teammates are still trying to process. The Panthers sent a conditionally ranked 2nd round pick to Boston but no pick is going to make up for losing a player of Marchand’s level.
Marchand was more than just a point producer—he was Bergeron’s right hand man and eventual captain. His absence is felt big time emotionally and competitively.
Bergeron on Marchand’s New Chapter
Bergeron didn’t sugarcoat how weird it was to see Marchand in Panthers gear for the first time. “Just seeing that—definitely different, obviously,” Bergeron said about Marchand’s debut with Florida. “I love him so much. I wish him all the best.”
He’s being sincere, but you can tell Bergeron isn’t quite ready to think of Marchand as anything other than a Bruin.
Why Did Marchand Leave the Bruins?
The trade was all about contracts. According to Paul Bissonnette NHL analyst, Marchand wanted a 3 year $7.5M deal. The Bruins weren’t willing to do that so here we are.
This was tough for both sides. Marchand had been a Bruin for over a decade.
Bergeron’s Emotional Ties to Marchand
Bergeron and Marchand had a special bond on and off the ice. Their chemistry was a big reason for the Bruins’ success including the 2011 Cup. Bergeron’s not ready to see Marchand in Panthers gear just yet says a lot about their friendship and the weight of his leaving.
Leave a Reply