Brad Marchand had every intention of remaining with the Bruins, a sentiment he consistently expressed in the weeks and months leading up to Friday’s trade deadline. However, despite his efforts—including a reported face-to-face meeting with General Manager Don Sweeney—his wish was not granted. Instead, he was sent to his preferred destination, the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
During his first press conference as a Panther, Marchand harbored no resentment toward Sweeney or the Bruins. On the contrary, his words reflected a blend of emotion and pragmatism. He even praised Sweeney, who has faced significant criticism for trading away a player whose No. 63 is destined to hang in the TD Garden rafters.
“I had an incredible run with that organization, and I’m extremely proud of everything we accomplished,” Marchand said, holding back tears.
“It’s disappointing that things didn’t work out because I love that organization and wanted to stay. But at the end of the day, I understand that hockey is a business, and every player has a shelf life. Sometimes, situations unfold beyond our control. If we had been in a playoff position, we probably would’ve had a very different conversation. That’s something we discussed before, but we weren’t.
“At that point, difficult decisions had to be made. And one thing I respect—and I told both Cam (Neely) and Sweens—is that they have a job to do. Their responsibility is to make the best decisions for the team. I completely understand why this decision was necessary. Yes, sometimes those choices don’t work in your favor, but that’s part of the game. That’s also why I believe Sweens is one of the best, if not the best, general managers in the league. I’ve seen firsthand how hard he works, and for anyone within the organization, there’s no doubt about his commitment to doing what’s best for the team every day. When you’re part of that group, you feel it.
“Every player has their time, and while it’s not something you ever want to happen, I don’t hold any grudges against him or the organization. It’s part of life and part of the game. But I’m also grateful because he created this opportunity for me. I owe the Bruins organization more than words can express.”
The exact details of the negotiation process remain unclear. Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who first reported Marchand’s meeting with Sweeney, stated that Marchand was not asked to take a pay cut. However, the specifics of what that meant are uncertain. Marchand’s cap hit stood at $6.125 million, but his actual salary for the season was $3,062,500. While ABC’s Emily Kaplan reported that the Bruins were open to a three-year deal, the proposed salary remains unknown.
Marchand will travel with the Panthers to Boston for their upcoming game against the Bruins on Tuesday, though he remains sidelined with an upper-body injury. His return timeline is uncertain, though he mentioned the possibility of skating that day. Regardless, the former Bruins captain looks forward to reconnecting with his former teammates and properly saying goodbye.
Though leaving behind a 16-year career in Boston was difficult, Marchand admitted he felt “rejuvenated” to join a team singularly focused on winning a Stanley Cup rather than dealing with the uncertainty that clouded the Bruins’ season.
“Obviously, it’s tough to leave a place I consider home. I’ve had so many great memories and incredible years in Boston. But it’s also extremely exciting to join such a special group,” Marchand said.
“When I walked into the room the other day, I had flashbacks to the year we won and to some of the teams I’ve been part of that had incredible chemistry and culture. The way the guys interact here, the relationships between players, staff, coaches, and management—it’s clear why this team has been a dominant force in the league for years. I’m thrilled to be a part of it and can’t wait to get back on the ice.”
As he has done throughout the latter years of his career, the 36-year-old took a philosophical approach to the transition, acknowledging the privilege of continuing to play in the NHL.
“In a perfect world, it would have been incredible to spend my entire career in Boston. But I’ve always believed in being grateful for every opportunity. It’s not lost on me that playing in this league is a privilege—to do what we love for a living.
“When the trade happened, I was disappointed and sad. But I’m also extremely grateful to be joining an incredible organization, an elite team. And that’s what you want—to compete for the Stanley Cup. Every year, you want a real shot at winning, and this team has that opportunity.
“You never know how long you’ll have in this league or when your last day will come. So, all you can do is make the most of it.”