Bruins Send Parting Message to Brad Marchand After Panthers Trade

Originally posted on Athlon Sports
By Spencer Garrett Ostrow | Last updated Mar 7, 2025 9:34 PM ET

The Boston Bruins have officially waved the white flag on this current build, parting ways with several key players ahead of this season’s NHL trade deadline.

Just two years ago, they set an NHL record with 135 points in a single season. Now, with 64 points through 64 games, the Bruins have moved on from Trent Frederic, Justin Brazeau, Max Jones, Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo, and longtime franchise player Brad Marchand, who spent 16 seasons with the team.

After Marchand and the Bruins couldn't agree on a contract extension, general manager Don Sweeney shocked the NHL world at the trade deadline buzzer and dealt him to the defending Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.

In return, Sweeney and the Bruins received a 2027 conditional second-round pick that becomes a 2028 first-round pick if the Panthers reach the Eastern Conference Final and Marchand plays in at least 50% of the team's playoff games.

Hours later, after the trade, the Bruins posted a farewell message, thanking their captain "for everything."

"Brad, for 16 years you have represented the Spoked-B with immense pride and passion," the Bruins said. "You set the tone every night with your intensity and drive, while becoming one of the best players in the history of our franchise. You will forever be a Boston Bruin. Thank you for everything."

Brad, for 16 years you have represented the Spoked-B with immense pride and passion. You set the tone every night with your intensity and drive, while becoming one of the best players in the history of our franchise.

You will forever be a Boston Bruin.

Thank you for everything. pic.twitter.com/FOPA9uxPnA
— Boston Bruins (@NHLBruins) March 8, 2025

The Bruins drafted Marchand in the third round of the 2006 NHL draft, and since then, he has become a Boston sports icon.

A key member of the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup-winning team, the 36-year-old has accumulated 422 goals and 554 assists, totaling 976 points in a Boston uniform.

After Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron retired following the 2023 season, Marchand was named team captain, carrying on the franchise’s leadership tradition.

Marchand now joins a Florida team that is in prime position to make a run at its third consecutive Stanley Cup Final appearance. However, it's unclear when the soon-to-be unrestricted free agent will make his Panthers debut, as he's currently on the injured reserve with an upper-body injury.

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

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