A huge development emerges regarding the Bruins and Brad Marchand's trade saga

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Daniel Lucente
November 29, 2024 (2:00 PM)

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The Boston Bruins are at a crossroads: Their season isn't going the way it was planned, and now a player like Brad Marchand may be the odd one out.

The Bruins have been in a funk since Jim Montgomery was relieved of his duties as head coach. Since then, Joe Sacco has taken over as interim coach, but the team has yet to settle.

At 11-10-3, uncertainty surrounds the Bruins, and major changes could be in store for GM Don Sweeney. According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, if the team can't reverse course, captain Brad Marchand could be on the trade block.

Marchand has spent his entire 16-season NHL career with the Bruins. A pesky, highly skilled forward, he's been a vital part of their roster's core, helping them win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the Final in 2013 and 2019.

He's also helped them win the Presidents' Trophy three times, including their record-setting 65-win, 135-point performance in 2022-23.

- Chris Johnston

Marchand's future has been a hot topic since the summer, as questions arose about whether he'd sign another long-term deal. Now in the final year of his 8-year, $6.125 million AAV contract, he could become a valuable rental for a contending team.

But his current form may impact his trade value. Through 24 games this season, Marchand has 17 points, with eight goals, nine assists, and a -3 rating, good but not great numbers for a top player.

It adds to the tension that Marchand called out Elliotte Friedman earlier this season over contract negotiations.

For now, speculation about his future is ripe, with The Athletic's Chris Johnston ranking him the 10th most likely player to be traded this season.

As the Bruins lineup has shown its instability, and as Sweeney tries to put together the pieces, Marchand might be the first major piece to move out of the post-Montgomery era.

Will they take a gamble on a rebuild or find a way to keep the captain? Only time can tell.