Bruins Trade Brad Marchand to Arch-Rivals in Stunning Deadline Deal
In a shocking move that caught everyone off guard, the Boston Bruins have traded longtime captain Brad Marchand to their fiercest rivals, the team that eliminated them from the playoffs in each of the last two seasons.
Marchand’s Desire to Stay a Bruin
Despite his desire to spend his entire career with the Bruins, Marchand’s impending unrestricted free agency and lack of an extension agreement led to the unexpected trade. General Manager Don Sweeney had expressed the team’s intention to keep Marchand through retirement.
Marchand’s Impact and Legacy
Marchand, 36, has been an integral part of the Bruins’ success, with 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games this season. He is a skilled penalty killer and a strong 200-foot-forward, with considerable playoff experience, including three trips to the finals and one Stanley Cup championship.
Injury and Final Moments as Bruins Captain
Marchand is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury, suffered when he was sent crashing into the boards by P.O. Joseph. His final on-ice moment as Bruins captain came as he was helped off the ice and into the dressing room.