BOSTON — Stepping onto the ice at TD Garden, Brad Marchand found himself not wearing the familiar Bruins jersey but a Panthers practice uniform. Tuesday marked his return to Boston for the first time since being traded to Florida.
Though sidelined by injury for the game against the Bruins, Marchand took an 11-minute skate with his new squad, his initial practice session with the Panthers. “There’s still a bit more I need to push through,” Marchand noted, reflecting on the oddness of practicing as a Panther in a city where he built his career.
A renowned four-time All-Star, Marchand contributed heavily to Boston’s legacy, leading the team in various scoring categories and playing a pivotal role during their Stanley Cup victory in his rookie season. Under his leadership, the Bruins set NHL milestones with 65 wins and 135 points in 2023.
Yet, with Boston’s current struggles, losing eight out of nine matches with postseason hopes dimming, Marchand was traded. In exchange, the Bruins received a second-round pick, which may escalate to a first-rounder if Marchand competes in the playoffs and aids the Panthers’ progression. This shift marks the close of an era not seen since the Bobby Orr days.
Despite Boston offering a contract renewal, Marchand, set to be a free agent post-season, couldn’t align terms with the team. Speaking candidly, Marchand expressed understanding, mentioning, “They aimed to do what benefited the team and granted me a chance to stay. They presented a deal they deemed fair.” Realizing both he and the franchise stood at a crossroads, the move seemed timely.
Currently boasting 21 goals and 26 assists, Marchand hasn’t played since sustaining an upper body injury on March 1 against Pittsburgh. Panthers’ coach Paul Maurice optimistically views a regular season return, stating, “Getting on the ice was key, it was positive to see him moving pucks around.”
Admiring Marchand as a player formerly noted for on-ice antics who matured into Boston’s captain role, Maurice encouraged Marchand to maintain his personality amid the Panthers’ seasoned roster with figures like Aleksander Barkov and Aaron Ekblad. “We’re diverse in character,” Maurice emphasized, advocating authenticity.
Marchand, maintaining his outspoken reputation, acknowledged no necessity for leadership roles but intends on staying true to himself. “Why change my ways? That’s just who I am, even if my wife suggests otherwise,” he quipped. Embracing his new chapter, Marchand is determined to stay true to his nature.
