Boston Bruins Make Controversial Decision on Brad Marchand's Replacement as Team Captain

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jul 31, 2025 2:18 PM ET

The Bruins have announced a controversial decision as to who will be taking over now-ex Boston forward Brad Marchand's role as captain for 2025-26.

It was the end of an era for the Boston Bruins in March when they stunned fans by trading captain Brad Marchand to the divisional foe Florida Panthers after being unable to come to a new contract agreement with him.

The move upset Bruins fans everywhere, who had to watch as Marchand helped the Panthers win the Stanley Cup for the 2nd year in a row while scoring 6 goals alone in the SCF against the Edmonton Oilers.

Marchand then dashed the hopes of Bruins fans everywhere of a summer reunion when he re-signed with Florida on a 6 year contract.

After Marchand's departure, the Bruins were left without a captain. While many assumed that they'd enter this year with sniper David Pastrnak as captain, they instead have made an interesting announcement.

The Bruins are going into 2025-26 without a captain, becoming the latest Original 6 team to do so in recent years, which also included the Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings.

Right now, Pastrnak and Charlie McAvoy are the team's assistant captains.

Ironically, the only 2 teams in NHL history who won the Stanley Cup without a captain were the 1970 and 1972 Bruins.

Bruins coach Marco Sturm touched on the captaincy subject

Former Bruins forward Marco Sturm, who was named the full-time head coach earlier in the summer, said it wasn't a major issue and that they'll eventually choose the right player.

If you're a Boston Bruin, it's a big deal. If you're not 100% sure, then no, you don't [have to name a captain]. I'm the coach, and I'm not going to say I'm making that decision alone. I don't want to because it's different. Again, it's the Boston Bruins, and it is a big deal. That's something we're going to talk about. We both have to agree that this is the right guy. We will, but I don't know when.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

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