Tag: Brad Marchand

  • Could Brad Marchand Leave the Bruins? 5 Perfect Landing Spots for the Star Forward

    Could Brad Marchand Leave the Bruins? 5 Perfect Landing Spots for the Star Forward

    The Boston Bruins are at a fork in the road. With their playoff hopes on life support and key guys hurt, management has a tough decision to make: honor Brad Marchand’s request to stay in Boston or trade their captain to start a rebuild. Marchand has said he wants to play his whole career with the Bruins but the current situation may force them to move him before the trade deadline.

    If the Bruins do trade Marchand, several teams could benefit big time from acquiring the veteran winger. Let’s get into why the Bruins might do this, what Marchand brings to a lineup and which teams should be in.

    Why the Bruins Should Trade Marchand

    Playoff Chances are Slim

    The Bruins are two points from the playoff bubble but their chances are not good. They have 18% chance to make the playoffs and less than 1% chance to win the Stanley Cup. With Charlie McAvoy out indefinitely and Hampus Lindholm possibly done for the season the Bruins don’t have the depth to compete with other teams.

    And injuries like Trent Frederic’s recent setback makes things even more complicated. If Frederic is out long term it might push the management to trade Marchand to speed up the retooling process.

    Marchand’s Age and Term

    At 37 Marchand is getting older. Any multi-year deal would be a risk especially if he retires before it’s up. For a contender though he’s a short term asset. No movement clause—only 8 team no trade list—the Bruins have flexibility to make a deal.

    What Marchand Brings to a Lineup?

    Versatility and Experience

    Marchand’s scoring rate has dipped (2.56 points per 60) but he’s still a versatile player who can play anywhere. He can generate offense, kill penalties, energize his team he’s the perfect piece for a contender looking for that final piece.

    Marchand’s playoff experience is unmatched. He’s not the player he used to be but he can still elevate a team’s Cup chances with his leadership, tenacity and ability to perform under pressure.

    Room for Revival

    Much of Marchand’s decline may be due to lack of top line players in Boston. Playing with top talent could get his game going again even if it’s in a reduced role compared to his Bruins days.

    5 Teams That Should Be Interested in Brad Marchand

    1. Tampa Bay Lightning

    The Lightning have a common enemy with Marchand: the Florida Panthers. Adding Marchand’s grit and skill could be the difference-maker to beat their division rivals.

    • Fit: Marchand could play in the middle six, shutdown minutes or secondary scoring.
    • Trade challenges: Tampa Bay has limited prospects so the Bruins may need to retain salary or bring in a third party.

    2. New Jersey Devils

    The Devils need a top-six winger and a third-line center. Marchand could fill the former role and allow Ondrej Palat to slide down the depth chart.

    • Fit: With Nico Hischier or Jack Hughes, Marchand could be part of a top-six line.
    • Assets: New Jersey has three 2025 second-round picks and young players like Simon Nemec who could interest the Bruins.

    3. Edmonton Oilers

    Despite offseason additions, the Oilers still need consistent secondary scoring around Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl. Marchand could be the secondary scoring they’ve been missing.

    • Fit: Marchand would be better in a supporting role in Edmonton where he wouldn’t have to carry the load.
    • Trade Challenges: With limited draft capital, Edmonton would likely need to get creative with salary retention.

    4. Los Angeles Kings

    The Kings are absence game-breakers but have depth. Marchand would add to their top-9 and playoff experience to their forward group.

    • Fit: Whether alongside Anze Kopitar or mentoring young players like Quinton Byfield, Marchand would bring versatility and leadership.
    • Assets: The Kings have assets to negotiate a good deal.

    5. Vegas Golden Knights

    Vegas is loading up on center depth and defense, leaving the wings as an area for improvement. Marchand would immediately upgrade their second line.

    • Fit: As a left-winger behind Ivan Barbashev, Marchand would add scoring and grit.
    • Trade Challenges: Vegas has such a depleted prospect pool they’d likely have to move existing roster players to make a deal.

    FAQs About Trading Brad Marchand

    Why would the Bruins trade Brad Marchand?

    With slim playoff odds and needing to rebuild, trading Marchand would allow the Bruins to get assets for the future and addresses their current problems.

    Which teams are most likely to pursue Marchand?

    Contenders like the Tampa Bay Lightning, New Jersey Devils , Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings, and Vegas Golden Knights are the obvious suitors given their needs and cap situations.

    What does Marchand bring to a new team?

    Marchand has playoff experience, versatility and can play in all situations. He’s a proven player who can help a contender win the Cup.

    Can Marchand retire mid contract?

    Yes, always with older players. But contenders prioritize short term gains over long term risks when acquiring veterans like Marchand.

    How will the Bruins replace Marchand?

    Trading Marchand would allow the Bruins to get prospects, draft picks or younger players to aid the rebuild. They have to if they want to be relevant in the future.

  • Will Brad Marchand Stay in Boston? Star Forward Breaks Silence on Contract Talks

    Will Brad Marchand Stay in Boston? Star Forward Breaks Silence on Contract Talks

    Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand is at the center of the rumors as his contract winds down. With the Bruins struggling to make the playoffs and Marchand’s contract expiring, fans want answers on whether their fiery leader will be back in Boston beyond this season. Here’s everything you need to know about Marchand’s situation, his comments and what it means for the franchise going forward.

    Marchand Says “I’ve Always Planned on Playing Here My Entire Career”

    During Monday’s media availability, Brad Marchand addressed the swirling rumors surrounding his future with the Bruins. While he acknowledged negotiations are ongoing, he said he knows where he stands personally.

    “We’re in talks,” Marchand said. “I feel like I know where I’m at personally. But again, that’s gonna stay between us.”

    Marchand went on to say he’s not going anywhere.

    “I’ve always planned on playing here my entire career. That hasn’t changed. You know, they’re aware of that. Everyone’s aware of that. It’s a gift to be playing for this team and I take a lot of pride in it. So, yeah, that’s always been the goal.”

    Despite his words, Marchand is a pending unrestricted free agent (UFA) at the end of the season. His eight year, $49 million deal expires at the end of the year and both sides are running out of time to get a deal done before the trade deadline.

    Bruins GM Weighs In

    Bruins GM Don Sweeney spoke to the media over the weekend and confirmed that talks with Marchand are underway. No details on the terms or timeline of a potential extension yet.

    The Bruins are out of the playoff picture (1 point behind Ottawa and Columbus for the final wild card spot) so the front office has a tough decision to make. Do they sign Marchand or trade him to a contender for assets?

    The Trade Rumor Mill

    Brad Marchand’s name has been floated in trade rumors and he’s even was No. 10 on TSN’s Chris Johnston’s latest trade board. No indication the Bruins are looking to move their captain but several contenders could be interested if Boston decides to sell.

    Marchand’s resume:

    • Playoff Experience: 157 career playoff games with 138 points (56 goals, 82 assists)
    • Championship Pedigree: Won the Stanley Cup with Boston in 2011, the World Cup of Hockey with Canada in 2016 and the 2025 4 Nations Face-Off with Team Canada

    He’s a guy who elevates his game in big situations so he’s a target for teams looking to make a deep run.

    Bruins’ Playoff Push

    The Bruins are 27-24-7 and just a point behind the Senators and Blue Jackets for the final wild-card spot in the East. Every game matters now and Marchand’s leadership will be huge as Boston tries to extend its season.

    Tuesday night the Bruins host the Toronto Maple Leafs at the Garden, 7 p.m. EST. A win would be a big boost to the playoff hopes and maybe ease some of the tension around Marchand’s future.

    FAQs About Brad Marchand

    Is Brad Marchand leaving the Boston Bruins?

    Not necessarily. Marchand wants to finish his career in Boston but nothing is guaranteed until a new contract is signed.

    When does Brad Marchand’s contract expire?

    His current deal expires at the end of the 2024-25 season making him a pending UFA.

    Why are people talking about trading Brad Marchand?

    As a pending UFA with so much value he could bring back a lot in a trade. If the Bruins miss the playoffs they may move him to rebuild for the future.

    How good has Marchand been this season?

    At 36 he’s still playing at a high level, 45 points (20 goals, 25 assists) in 58 games this season.