One of the biggest surprises of the NHL trade deadline was the Boston Bruins‘ shocking decision to send former captain Brad Marchand to a direct competitor in the Atlantic Division—the Florida Panthers. After donning a sweater other than the Spoked B, Marchand shared an honest admission about leaving The Hub.
Marchand is still dealing with an upper-body injury which has sidelined him in a week-to-week basis, and won’t be able to play during March 11’s matchup between the Cats and Bruins.
Perhaps it’s for the better as the former captain in Boston admitted having strange feelings about his exit from the Bruins, though he is excited to join the biggest contender to the Stanley Cup in the NHL, the reigning Panthers.
After being introduced in a press conference to the Florida Panthers, Marchand voiced a strong message about his thoughts, as he experiences moving out of Boston for the first time in his NHL career.
Brad Marchand #63 of Team Canada arrives for the game against Team USA at the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts..
“It was a weird feeling [putting on a different jersey],” Brad Marchand said about his first impressions upon joining the Panthers, via the team’s social media. “When the trade happened, I was disappointed and sad, but I’m extremely grateful that I get to come to an incredible place, an incredible team, a very, very, very competitive team. Reality is setting in here. I’m starting to feel like I’m part of the group.”
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“I feel rejuvenated coming here. They’re completely different mindsets from where we were as a team and the things we’re going through. To now come in and seeing the path these guys are on and the way they’re preparing for playoffs.”
Marchand wants another go at the Cup
Like a great captain, Marchand was ready to go down with the ship. Despite the struggles, and the feeling the Bruins would miss the NHL Playoffs, he was willing to stay. However, it wasn’t up for Marchand to decide, and the team ultimately moved on from the soon-to-be UFA.
Nevertheless, every cloud has a silver lining, and his departure from the Bruins means Marchand will have a great shot at his second Stanley Cup, as the Panthers vye for a repeat. The Cats are confident on themselves, and Marchand is excited about the locker room he is joining.
“I looked at the group, and that’s a team that has what it takes to go all the way again. That’s what you want. I mean, ultimately, we chase the Stanley Cup, and you want a chance to play for that every single year,” Marchand said, via Panthers senior digital content manager, Jameson Olive.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins skates past Morgan Rielly #44 of the Toronto Maple Leafs during the first period at TD Garden on February 25, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts.
Not at full capacity
The Panthers have put the league on notice, riding a five-game win streak and showcasing an elite level of playoff hockey—despite it only being March. Over their last four games, Florida has allowed just one goal, posted three shutouts, and scored 12 times themselves.
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The team looks to be playing at their best, though they are still missing star Matthew Tkachuk, and Marchand has yet to make his debut. These are dangerous times for any team facing the Panthers, as Paul Maurice’s side kicks into high gear with the postseason looming.
