New report reveals Bruins captain Brad Marchand may be leaving the Boston Bruins

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Joshua Deeds
October 28, 2024 (11:10)

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According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, the Boston Bruins, and Captain Brad Marchand were close to securing Marchand long-term with an extension.

Given Marchand's age of 36 years old, and his declining elite status as a forward fans and pundits were surprised.

In light of this report, Marchand would respond after the Bruins' defeat of the Maple Leafs in Saturday's OT game.

However, Marchand was quick to deny the claim, calling the report «false» after the Bruins' game against the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The quick denial in the public sphere has sent the media and fans reeling as the situation with the Bruins remains fluid.

What's Next

Marchand's contract with the Bruins expires at the end of the 2024-2025 NHL season, which saw him paid $6.125 million annually, with a total value of $49 Million dollars.

Marchand has been a fan favorite of the team and has been a Bruin since 2009-2010, and has won a cup with the team in 2011. Seeing Marchand go would leave Bruins fans with immense sadness, not to mention another long-term piece gone after Patrice Bergeron. It'd be the end of an era.

Could Marchand's denial of extension talks be a negotiation tactic or a statement of fact?

With Marchand's slow start, could it be a dismissal of the term offered to Marchand's camp or the fact that the Bruins' confidence in the captain is waning?

Marchand recently ended his scoring drought with a goal in OT against the rival Toronto Maple Leafs. With hope, this is a sign that the dam is breaking for the veteran forward.

Marchand's resilience is something to behold, as we know how big of a part of his game this trait is.

The Bruins would sorely miss Marchand's capabilities, as he is the Bruin's leader in playoff goals.

Marchand could return as a mentor to younger Bruins players who have made the team. But with the way this team is constructed, would Don Sweeney benefit from letting Marchand walk?

With the Swayman negotiations, the Bruins intentions are opaque at this point, and Marchand could be a cap casualty if they're not able to extend him whether it's short or long-term.