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Bruins' David Pastrnak Predicts Brad Marchand's Actions In Return to Boston

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 10:52 AM ET

The Boston Bruins will face a familiar agitator when they host the Florida Panthers on Tuesday night at TD Garden.

Brad Marchand, a Bruins cornerstone for more than 15 seasons, will return to Boston to face his former team for the first time since last year’s trade that sent him to Florida.

Marchand was dealt to the Panthers at the 2025 trade deadline after serving as Boston’s captain for a year and a half and winning his first title there.

The move shocked the hockey world but quickly paid off when Marchand lifted the Stanley Cup with Florida just months later, becoming one of the best deadline trades in NHL history.

David Pastrnak on tonight's loss and Tuesday's reunion with Brad Marchand pic.twitter.com/hMau0FEYWi
— NESN (@NESN) October 20, 2025

Now, as Marchand prepares for his long-awaited first game against the Bruins, his former linemate and Bruins alternate captain David Pastrnak expects nothing less than the vintage Marchand experience.

"He's for sure going to be all over. He's going to run his mouth," Pastrnak said. "I can't wait for the matchup. It will be really fun, and maybe he will be too nice. We will see."

Pastrnak said it will be an emotional night for everyone involved, especially Marchand, who was injured when the Panthers visited TD Garden last season and couldn’t take part.

“It’s definitely going to be weird probably when we get home tomorrow,” Pastrnak said. “He’s been a longtime Bruin, so I’m pretty sure it’s gonna be special and hard at the same time for him, but for us, we have other stuff to worry about.”

Former Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand (63) celebrates a goal with right wing David Pastrnak (88).Alex Gallardo-Imagn Images

Added Pastrnak: “It will definitely be good to see him back, but at the same time, we have to maintain our focus.”

Marchand leads the Panthers with six points in seven games heading into the matchup, and is coming off earning a maximum fine for his behavior in the game against the Bruins on Saturday.

Florida (3-4-0) and Boston (3-4-0) both enter on four-game losing streaks, adding competitive weight to the matchup. Puck drop between the Panthers and Bruins is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. ET at TD Garden.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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