The NHL deadline ended with a bang, as the Bruins have traded star forward Brad Marchand to the division-rival Panthers.
The move ends Marchand’s long-standing career with the Bruins, which lasted parts of 16 seasons. In that span, Marchand played in three Stanley Cup Finals with Boston, winning it all in 2011. Marchand ends his Bruins career with 1,090 games-played, 422 goals and 976 total points, and is top-five in many Bruins franchise records.
It may not be long before Marchand returns to Boston, as the Panthers play the Bruins on Tuesday. But Marchand is currently dealing with an injury, so his status for that game will be up in the air.
Why did the Bruins ship their captain to one of their division rivals? Here’s the breakdown.
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Brad Marchand trade details
Panthers receive:
Bruins receive:
- 2027 second-round pick OR 2028 first-round pick
Marchand goes to the Panthers as another piece for Florida’s bid to win back-to-back Stanley Cups. This was the second big move for the Panthers before the trade deadline, as Florida already acquired Seth Jones from the Blackhawks.
In return, the Bruins are getting a conditional second-round pick that could turn into a first-round pick, according to John Buccigross.
Why did the Bruins trade Brad Marchand?
Marchand is a pending free agent, as he is playing out the final year of an eight-year, $49 million contract he signed with Boston. As the Bruins are on the outside of the playoff picture, Boston has decided to trade Marchand and recoup some assets for the future.
Marchand is one of several Bruins on the move at this year’s trade deadline, as Trent Frederic, Charlie Coyle and Brandon Carlo were also dealt. The move to trade Marchand is stunning, as the 36-year-old forward is Boston’s captain and his been a Bruin his entire career.
As the Bruins enter a re-tool or rebuild, they apparently decided to sell off all their players who could bring back value. That includes Marchand, who is one of the most-beloved players in the franchise’s history.
MORE: Full list of trades completed before NHL trade deadline
Brad Marchand stats
| Year | Games | Goals | Assists | Points |
| 2009-10 | 20 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| 2010-11 | 77 | 21 | 20 | 41 |
| 2011-12 | 76 | 28 | 27 | 55 |
| 2012-13 | 45 | 18 | 18 | 36 |
| 2013-14 | 82 | 25 | 28 | 53 |
| 2014-15 | 77 | 24 | 18 | 42 |
| 2015-16 | 77 | 37 | 24 | 61 |
| 2016-17 | 80 | 39 | 46 | 85 |
| 2017-18 | 68 | 34 | 51 | 85 |
| 2018-19 | 79 | 36 | 64 | 100 |
| 2019-20 | 70 | 28 | 59 | 87 |
| 2020-21 | 53 | 29 | 40 | 69 |
| 2021-22 | 70 | 32 | 48 | 80 |
| 2022-23 | 73 | 21 | 46 | 67 |
| 2023-24 | 82 | 29 | 38 | 67 |
| 2024-25 | 61 | 21 | 26 | 47 |
Marchand has consistently put up some of the best numbers on the team, which includes totaling 80 points four times in a five-year span and 60 points for nine-straight seasons. During 61 games so far this season, Marchand has already topped 20 goals and 20 assists for a total of 47 points. He will become the seventh player on the Panthers with at least 40 points during the 2024-25 year.
Brad Marchand contract
Marchand is in the last year of an eight-year, $49 million deal, as he is making $6.125 million this season. That means the 36-year-old is set to hit the open market during the offseason, barring extension talks.
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