The Boston Bruins need to get back on track as they pursue an NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs berth. However, they will be face an uphill battle as captain Brad Marchand suffered an upper-body injury and hasn’t been able to play since March 1st game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. After days of uncertainty, interim head coach Joe Sacco announced the extension of Marchand’s absence.
The Bruins lost 1-0 to the Minnesota Wild in their first game without Marchand, leaving crucial points on the table in their hunt for an NHL postseason berth. They will take on the crestfallen Nashville Predators, hoping to bounce back and cut their deficit behind the wildcard teams in the East.
Boston’s decision to send Trent Frederic up north to Alberta, joining the Edmonton Oilers, could signal that the organization is waving the white flag on their season. Moreover, Marchand’s absence is another issue of concern in Beantown, and Sacco will have to figure out the path to follow without the team’s veteran leader.
As Sacco addressed the media prior to the matchup with the Predators, he announced Marchand’s injury timeline. Sacco stated “Marchand is week-to-week”, as reported by Scott McLaughlin.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins prepares to take the ice prior to playing the Pittsburgh Penguins in the 2023 Discover NHL Winter Classic at Fenway Park on January 02, 2023 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The announcement also meant Marchand won’t play before the NHL’s trade deadline, casting more doubt over what direction the organization will take if teams come knocking about their captain.
see also
NHL Rumors: Brad Marchand, Bruins could lose star defenseman as Flames inquire about trade
Frederic to the Oilers
Forward Trent Frederic was traded to Edmonton (along with Max Jones and the rights to unsigned Petr Hauser), as part of a three-team trade between the Bruins, Oilers, and N.J. Devils. The Bruins will retain 50% of Frederic’s $2.3M AAV salary, while the other half will be retained by the franchise in Newark.
In return, the Bruins receive a 2025 2nd round pick (from the St. Louis Blues), 2026 4th round pick, and Max Wanner. The Devils, for their part, acquire the rights to unsigned Shane Lachance.
Boston Bruins interim head coach Joe Sacco sends out Brad Marchand #63 and David Pastrnak #88 during the final minute of the third period of their 1-0 win over the Utah Hockey Club at TD Garden on November 21, 2024 in Boston, Massachusetts.
The Bruins will most likely remain active in the market. What’s still to be seen is whether the Original Six franchise will sell off more assets or take a more aggressive approach. Boston’s performance in Smashville could paint a better picture of their trade deadline approach—whether they’ll give up on their season or pursue a playoff push.
