NHL Trade Deadline: Brad Marchand Moves to Florida Panthers

BOSTON (AP) — The Florida Panthers acquired veteran forward Brad Marchand from the Boston Bruins in a significant move just before the NHL trade deadline on Friday. The trade comes as the Panthers aim to bolster their roster in pursuit of another Stanley Cup run.

Marchand, a longtime Bruins captain, was traded for a conditional 2027 second-round draft pick, which can turn into a first-round pick in 2028 based on Marchand’s playoff participation. Bruins general manager Don Sweeney revealed the conditions during a press conference in Boston. He stated that the team’s performance in the playoffs, contingent on Marchand playing in at least half of the games, will determine the pick’s status.

“With his injury, it complicates things a bit,” Sweeney noted, referring to Marchand’s upper-body injury that may sideline him until just prior to the playoffs. Marchand is recovering from multiple surgeries from the previous summer and had been a key player for the Bruins this season, recording 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games.

Sweeney emphasized the need for the Bruins to shift focus, noting a changing direction for the organization. “Once the gap was there that he wasn’t going to sign, that’s where the tipping point was,” Sweeney said. “I had to do what was right for the organization.”

Florida’s general manager, Bill Zito, expressed excitement for Marchand’s inclusion, stating, “His record speaks for itself. We are thrilled to have him aboard and will see where it goes.” Marchand joins a star-studded lineup including Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk as the Panthers challenge for dominance in the Atlantic Division.

This trade marks a critical juncture for both teams. The Bruins, who had previously amassed records of 65 wins and 135 points, are currently struggling and have lost eight of their last nine games heading into the deadline. This led to a spree of trades, reflecting their intent to rebuild without a full teardown.

Along with Marchand’s departure, the Bruins traded away several other veterans, signaling a new era for the franchise. “We looked at the opportunities in front of us to change the direction of things,” Sweeney stated, emphasizing that the team is committed to making the right decisions for the future.

Marchand, who has played all 16 seasons of his career with the Bruins, indicated his understanding of the situation. “I think they had the right intentions,” he said. “They tried to do what was best for the team and also give me an opportunity to stay if I wanted to.” Yet, he acknowledged that it may be time for a new direction for both him and the franchise.

As he joined his new team in practice this week, Marchand reflected on the transition. “It still felt weird,” he admitted. “But I’m just going to be me,” he added, promising to maintain his spirited and outspoken personality within the Panthers’ locker room.

With Marchand on board, the Panthers hope to continue their pursuit of the Stanley Cup while the Bruins embark on a challenging path of rebuilding. The impact of the current roster changes and the direction of both teams will be closely watched as the playoffs approach.