Bruins Captain Brad Marchand Reportedly Facing Possible Departure from Boston
Photo credit: Sportsnet
Frank Seravalli recently discussed Brad Marchand's potential future destination as a pending UFA and expressed his belief that it will not be with his longtime Bruins.
Brad Marchand swiftly denied rumors that he was re-signing with the Boston Bruins, calling them little more than tabloid journalism. Over the past ten years, the Boston Bruin has been one of the most reliable players, and it's difficult to imagine Boston's success without Marchand. He is one of the few Bruins who has been a bright spot this season, having had another successful season with nine points in twelve games.
Marchand quickly denied Friedman's report, claiming it was false. "If I was going to sign a three-year extension, it would be signed," he said. "Clearly, Elliotte is just wrong here."
In what scenario, then, would Brad Marchand no longer be a mainstay of the Boston Bruins? Frank Seravalli says there is a possibility. Regarding Brad Marchand's future in Boston, Seravalli told Jonny Lazarus that while he is probably a Bruin for life, it isn't a given.
"I don't see a scenario where he's anywhere but Boston," Seravalli said. "The way that he's grown and matured into that role as leader of that team has been incredibly impressive."
He did, however, note that Marchand's predicament is strikingly similar to that of Steven Stamkos in Tampa Bay. Regardless of fan opinion, they chose to sever ties with the former captain, who many believed would be a Lightning player for life, as their priorities shifted. According to Seravalli, the same thing might occur in Boston as well:
"This time around, I thought they'd show him and extend him that same loyalty, and they didn't."
GM Cam Neely isn't afraid to voice his opinions or even criticize his players for not signing a contract. He might interpret Boston's lack of success this season as evidence that the team needs a makeover, which would include getting rid of Marchand. In addition to losing Marchand, Trent Frederic, Cole Koepke, Justin Brazeau, and Parker Wotherspoon as UFAs come summer, Boston will require funds to re-sign a number of RFAs, including Mason Lohrei, John Beecher, and Morgan Geekie.
Boston should consider letting Marchand go if they truly want to demonstrate to their supporters that winning entails more than just mending rifts. Although he can still make an impact, he is already 36 years old and his career is coming to an end. Boston must make plans for the future because, similar to Patrice Bergeron's departure, Brad Marchand will leave next season as the Bruins begin constructing their next dynasty under David Pastrnak.
Marchand and the Bruins are still in the process of negotiating a new contract, despite his quick rejection of Friedman's report. It's possible that the two parties will come to an agreement before the season ends. But from what he's said, nothing is imminent.
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