Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand voiced an honest statement, leaving the door open on a potential return to the Boston Bruins after the 2024-25 NHL season.
The Boston Bruins shocked the NHL during the trade deadline as they shipped captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers for a 2027 conditional second round selection. As Marchand adapts to the humid weather and talented roster in Sunrise, the 36-year-old delivered a strong statement about his future, not shutting the door on a return to Boston.
Marchand travelled with his new teammates in Florida back to Massachussets as the Panthers take on the Bruins at TD Garden, though he won’t be able to play due to an upper-body injury. Regardless, Marchand participated in Florida’s morning skate, giving a chilling image to Boston’s fans who are still dealing with the key departure.
Marchand and the Bruins were unable to reach an agreement on a contract extension as the captain was set to become an Unrestricted Free Agent, and though reports stated Marchand’s camp was willing to take a paycut, GM Don Sweeney and the front office opted to move on from the veteran.
However, Marchand has made it clear there are no hard feelings toward his former team and has expressed gratitude for his years in The Hub. The forward even hinted at a possible return to Boston with a suspenseful comment.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins looks on during the third period against the Ottawa Senators at TD Garden on January 23, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. The Bruins defeat the Senators 2-0.
“I don’t know, I guess is how I would respond to that,” Marchand answered when asked whether he’d consider a return to the Bruins during Free Agency, per Boston.com’s Conor Ryan. “I don’t know what the future brings. I know it didn’t come together now. Can things change down the road? Potentially. But I don’t know where that goes.”
One day at a time
Marchand may be interested in returning to Boston and potentially close out his NHL career with the franchise that took a chance with him back in 2006. Still, his focus is currently set on the Stanley Cup chase with the Panthers.
“You don’t get to be a part of teams like this very often,” Marchand admitted. “The longer you get in your career, the more you play, you realize how special certain groups are, and you really want to take advantage of those opportunities.”
Enemies to teammates
The Bruins and Panthers collided in epic playoff battles over the past two seasons, with the Cats coming out on top in both series. Marchand missed considerable time during the 2023-24 Playoffs due to a big hit to the jaw from Sam Bennett.
Sam Bennett #9 of the Florida Panthers passes the puck against the Washington Capitals during the third period of the game at Amerant Bank Arena on November 25, 2024 in Sunrise, Florida.
The two players are known for their hard-nosed style and have previously crossed paths on Team Canada. However, they will now become true teammates as they gear up for a demanding postseason journey.
NHL News: Brad Marchand sends emotional message to Bruins ahead of return to Boston with Panthers
“[Bennett] is great. I really had a great time getting to know him at 4 Nations,” Marchand stated. “We get along really, really well. I wasn’t surprised that we did. I loved being his teammate, playing with him in the 4 Nations and very excited to be here and be his teammate again and try to go on a really good run. He’s one of those guys that you absolutely want to play with and not against.“
As advertised
“As soon as we added him in the group chat, he was chirping,” Bennett said about Marchand. “His first message with a chirp, right away. You love that. It breaks the ice. That’s just who he is, and we’re excited to have that personality here.”
