The Brad Marchand Trade Saga Heats Up As Deadline Looms
The Boston Bruins find themselves in an unfamiliar position. With injuries to key players like Hampus Lindholm and Charlie McAvoy, a minus-26 goal differential, and a roster in transition, the team is unlikely to be major buyers this season.
NHL insider Chris Johnston emphasized this during a recent appearance on TSN First Up, stating, “I’m not expecting them to add at the deadline.”
#NHLBruins Brad Marchand could perfectly fit almost any lineup: #VegasBorn could make a big splash, #RaiseUp or #LetsGoOilers could add him to TOP-6
— Benchrates (@benchrates) February 25, 2025
But we are still confident that #NHLBruins should re-sign him if there is an opportunity https://t.co/wpcPH6lpp7 pic.twitter.com/Gbyd8aLy2B
Marchand remains committed to Boston
The 36-year-old winger, who is in the final year of an eight-year, $49 million contract, has made it clear that he wants to remain in Boston. “I’ve always planned on playing here my entire career. That hasn’t changed,” Marchand told The Athletic. “They’re aware of that. I think everyone’s aware of that. It’s a gift to play for this team. I take tremendous pride in it. So yeah, that’s the goal.”
Marchand, who has 20 goals and 25 assists in 58 games this season, remains confident in the team’s potential.
“I still believe we have a group that can do some damage,” he said. “We get in the playoffs and we get through there, I like the way we’re built. We haven’t played our best yet. When we do, we can play with any team. We’ve already shown that.”
Bruins management getting offers
Despite Marchand’s loyalty, the Bruins’ management continues to field calls about him.
Cam Robinson reported, “Marchand is absolute in his stance that he wants to stay in Boston, I’m told Bruins management continues to get calls on him.” Robinson cited a source who described the situation as difficult, saying, “You have to weigh the value of keeping your captain or realizing it’s time to shift assets.”
While Brad Marchand is absolute in his stance that he wants to stay in Boston, I'm told Bruins management continues to get calls on him.
— Cam Robinson (@Hockey_Robinson) February 25, 2025
"It's a difficult spot," one source said. "You have to weigh the value of keeping your captain or realizing it's time to shift assets."
Boston is currently one point behind the Ottawa Senators for the final wild-card spot and three points behind the Detroit Red Wings for the top wild-card spot. General manager Don Sweeney acknowledged that the Bruins are evaluating all options as they try to climb into playoff contention.
“We’re going to look at all opportunities, whether it’s to improve our club now or with an eye towards moving forward,” Sweeney said.
Sweeney also addressed the interest in the team’s veterans and pending unrestricted free agents, including Marchand.
“Our veteran players have proven they’re good players. Is everybody having a career year? No. But that being said, they can help us and they can help other teams,” he said.
What's next for Brad?
Johnston noted that the Bruins are being realistic about their current situation.
“There’s no trade or external move you’re making that can account for the minutes and responsibilities those guys handle,” he said, referring to the absence of Lindholm and McAvoy.
While the team isn’t expected to dive into a full rebuild, Johnston suggested they might explore long-term moves rather than short-term fixes.
“This is not a customary position for this team,” he added. “They’re in transition, but I don’t see them diving into a full rebuild or retool—at least not yet.”
Image - Sergei Belski - Imagn
