With the NHL trade deadline rapidly approaching and top players being moved, speculation surrounding Brad Marchand’s future with the Boston Bruins has intensified. Although both Marchand and the team have expressed a mutual desire to continue their partnership, stalled contract negotiations have fueled trade rumors. Multiple insiders suggest that a deal before Friday’s deadline is becoming increasingly likely.
Chris Johnston of TSN reported that many around the league believe Marchand will be traded to a Western Conference team. “At this point, there’s no confirmation that [Marchand] will be moved, but the prevailing belief is that the Bruins are likely to send him west,” Johnston said on Insider Trading.
Elliotte Friedman of Sportsnet also noted a growing buzz around Marchand on Thursday night. While a last-minute contract extension remains possible, the Bruins have been actively entertaining offers. “We never thought this day would come, but there’s a real chance Boston moves him,” Friedman wrote.
Fluto Shinzawa of The Athletic provided additional insight, suggesting that if Mikko Rantanen is unavailable or too costly for interested teams, Marchand could be an appealing alternative. He further reported that the Bruins have engaged in trade discussions and set a steep asking price, which an NHL executive described as “a first-round pick, a roster player, and a top-tier prospect.”
Marchand, who has spent his entire 16-year NHL career in Boston, is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained on March 1. As the deadline nears, all eyes will be on the Bruins to see if they ultimately part ways with their longtime captain.
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