Beloved Ex-Bruins Defenseman Matt Grzelcyk Issued A Heartfelt Statement After His Return To TD Garden

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Austin Sabourin
November 30, 2024 (6:55 PM)

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Former Boston Bruins fan favourite defenseman Matt Grzelcyk had nothing but good things to say in his return to TD Garden Friday night.

Before signing with the Pittsburgh Penguins in the off-season Matt Grzelcyk spent his first eight-years in the NHL with the Boston Bruins organization, and in his return to TD Garden it was a memorable night for both him and his family.

Matt Grzelcyk would get the last laugh as he would have one shot, and blocked two shots in the Penguins 2-1 win over the Black and Gold at TD Garden. The biggest moment of the night for the 30-year-old came during the first TV timeout during the first period as the Bruins played a video tribute for him. Fans gave Grzelcyk a standing ovation along with his father who was in attendance.

«It was great,» Grzelcyk told reporters, per Joe McDonald of The Hockey News. «It was a long day. I didn't know what to expect. A lot of anxiousness and I wasn't really sure what to feel. It was cool to come back and play in front of friends and family again, so I've been thinking about this for a long time.»

Trent Frederic also had this to say about Matt Grzelcyk:

«It was fun to see him,» Frederic said, per NESN.com's Greg Dudek. «I thought he actually played really well. He looked good out there.»

Matt Grzelcyk is off to a pretty good start so far this season with the Pittsburgh Penguins as he has eight points in 25 games.

His career high was set with the Boston Bruins during the 2022-23 season when he would put up 4 goals and 22 assists for 26 points, in 75 games, and it's looking like he may be on pace to beat that this year.

The Penguins have been having a rough year as they currently sit dead last in the Metropolitan Division, and with that there has been some trade rumours surrounding Matt Grzelcyk. It's possible we see him on a different team before the end of the year.