BOSTON—Brad Marchand finds himself in unfamiliar territory.
As the Boston Bruins struggle to stay afloat as playoff contenders, and with Marchand in the final year of his contract—which includes a limited no-trade clause—uncomfortable questions are beginning to surface about the team’s captain and longest-serving player.
The big one: Does he want to be traded? On Monday, Marchand neither confirmed nor denied the possibility, opting instead to tread carefully.
“I’ve always planned on playing here my entire career,” Marchand said. “That hasn’t changed. The Bruins are aware of that. I think everyone is aware of that. It’s a privilege to be part of this team. That’s always been the goal.”
Boston GM Don Sweeney addressed the media Sunday, suggesting that all options are on the table. With the trade deadline set for March 7, the Bruins must decide whether they’re genuine contenders in need of a few key pieces or a team better suited to selling assets.
“We’re right there,” Marchand said. “We have the ability to win games, put ourselves in a good position, and secure a playoff spot. It’s going to be a battle until the end. But if we can put together a string of wins, we’ll be in the mix.”
Like the Toronto Maple Leafs, the Bruins have made the playoffs every season since 2017. Marchand noted that in some years, the team was so far ahead in the regular season that their focus shifted to staying rested and healthy rather than maintaining intensity.
“This season, every game is crucial. Sometimes that’s a lot of fun. It’s great to have that intensity,” he said. “It’s a different mindset this year, but it makes every game exciting.”
Marchand, 36, is in the final year of an eight-year deal with an annual cap hit of $6.13 million (U.S.). He and Sweeney have been in discussions about his future.
“We’re obviously in talks,” Marchand said. “I think I understand where I stand. That’s going to stay between us.”
Marchand would be a significant acquisition for any team. He’s a proven leader, a Stanley Cup champion (2011), and recently showcased his skills for Canada at the 4 Nations Face-Off.
Still, he acknowledges that trades are part of the business.
“Even in your best years, guys get moved. Things happen,” he said. “You have no control over that, so you can’t waste energy worrying about it. The key is focusing on what you can control and staying present.
“Every year brings different challenges. Teams are always looking to improve. If you’re a contender, you’re trying to get better. If you’re not, you’re looking to sell. The situation changes every year.
“It’s part of the game—the part you don’t always love. But, at the end of the day, it is what it is.”
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