Stanley Cup champion shuts down Bruins with blunt trade condition

Marchessault, currently with the Nashville Predators, is believed to be available for trade after a frustrating season in Tennessee.

The Predators entered the 2024–25 campaign with playoff ambitions, similar to the Bruins, but both clubs ended up near the bottom of the standings.

Bruins not among Marchessault’s six preferred teams 

According to Friedman, Marchessault has made it clear he’s only open to joining teams located in states that don’t charge income tax. It’s a factor that significantly narrows the field.

There are six teams Marchessault would consider, they’re all based in no-tax states—Tampa Bay, Florida, Seattle, Dallas, Vegas, and one more yet to be confirmed.

Friedman said during his report.

That criteria immediately takes Boston out of the running.

While the Bruins have been quietly linked to Marchessault in recent months, this latest development shuts the door completely.

Tax advantages continue to shift free agency landscape

The situation once again highlights a longstanding issue in the NHL: the uneven playing field created by state income taxes.

Teams in Florida, Nevada, Texas, and Washington can offer the same gross salary with a higher net return for players. It’s a legal advantage, and players are using it.

It’s hard to compete with that unless you overpay or offer something really unique,” one Eastern Conference executive admitted privately last season.

Players want to win, yes, but they also want to keep more of what they earn.

It’s that simple.

The Bruins, located in one of the nation’s most heavily taxed states, often find themselves having to sweeten offers just to stay in contention.

Nashville exploring trade to recoup assets

The Predators originally signed Marchessault in free agency, but now that their season has stalled, they’re looking to turn his contract into future value.

He’s not a rental, and his resume speaks for itself: consistent production, veteran leadership, and proven playoff performance.

Still, Marchessault’s limited list puts Nashville in a tight spot. The return will likely depend on which of those tax-free franchises actually steps up to make a deal.

Bruins must shift focus in offseason strategy

For the Bruins, Marchessault’s stance alters the summer blueprint.

Boston is still in need of scoring help on the wing, and while Marchessault would have checked a lot of boxes, grit, finish, experience, they’ll now need to explore other paths.

Don Sweeney and the front office may turn to younger trade options, free agents who aren’t as geographically selective, or consider packaging prospects for a bigger move.

Marchessault has made his criteria clear. The Bruins don’t meet it, and no amount of interest from Boston will change that.