Brad Marchand, the gritty and skilled player for the Boston Bruins, is one of the organization’s cornerstones. However, as the Bruins enter a new era of their franchise, the speculation surrounding Marchand has grown louder. Could the 36-year-old winger be on the move out of Boston as the team tries to strike a balance between present and future success? What will the Bruins be getting back for one of their most beloved players? Let’s get into the latest trade talk and break down what could be ahead.
Brad Marchand on the Trade Block?
For months now, the rumor mill has alluded to Brad Marchand being on the market, as the Boston Bruins weigh their path going forward. And as important as Marchand is to the Bruins’ offensive backbone, there are plenty of reasons why the team could assess moving him.
Why the Bruins Chose to Make the Trade
This has been a decade of success for the Boston Bruins, who, with Marchand at the center of things, have seldom been out of the playoff race. But following a number of years of playing at a high level, the club is currently undergoing some changes. With several of their core players on the wrong side of 30, the Bruins could be in the market to retool their roster moving forward. Trading Marchand could give the team a big-time asset — whether it be prospects or draft picks — that would keep the team competitive for the upcoming years.
Despite the Bruins’ recent success, they have not passed the first round of the playoffs since 2019, nor have they grabbed another Stanley Cup. This type of approach has led to discussions around the call for a new paradigm. Overall, such a move could potentially work out really well in the long run for a team that is looking to get younger while still being competitive, as Marchand’s value would be significantly less to a rebuilding team.
Marchand’s Deal: An Obstacle?
Marchand’s deal is another factor in any trade discussion, as it has three years remaining and runs through the 2024-2025 season. His salary comes with a $6.125-million annual cap hit but is an easy pill for most contending teams to swallow — unless, of course, they’re up against a wall of their own, notably a near-empty wallet. That said, based on Marchand’s consistently elite play, numerous teams would likely accommodate some salary alteration to land him.
Even at his age, Marchand has been incredibly productive. He put up 25 goals and 58 points in 82 games during the 2023-2024 season, proving that he is not far from being what he used to be. Teams looking to bolster their top six for a playoff push would be hungry for a player of his caliber.
What the Bruins Want in Return
If the Bruins were to trade Marchand, what would they want in return? Quoting a few sources close to the situation, the Bruins would certainly be focused on these things in any trade.
Prospects with High Upside
Boston is interested in a future build-up, and top prospects would clearly be high on the list in a possible trade. The Bruins’ management team would have to be very interested in players who can join the NHL and give an impact in the next few seasons. The organization has done a great job of developing youth, and adding to their crop of prospects can help keep this success going as their veteran players get older.
First-Round Draft Picks
The long-term vision for the Bruins could include a roster overhaul and prioritizing the growth of young stars. Having a first-round draft pick in the next NHL Draft would be extremely valuable, because it could put the Bruins in contention for one of the top prospects that will be there. Other than drafting a player, the next most important aspect to rebuilding any team is working with the draft; the Bruins are going to be in a position to take advantage of their future selections.
NHL-Ready Players
The future is obviously important, but the Bruins are going to need players who can help keep them competitive in the short term, too. A return for Marchand could feature NHL-ready players who would slide right into Boston’s lineup and help fill key holes. While the core of the team, like Charlie McAvoy and David Pastrnak, is solid, the team would need to fill that hole with someone who is an experienced player when Marchand leaves.
Cap Flexibility
A trade could also be a way for the Bruins to free up more cap space. While not prohibitively large, Marchand’s contract still takes a considerable chunk out of the team’s cap room. The Bruins would be able to free money to cover any needs elsewhere on the roster — be it adding depth players or trying to find new assets — instead of continuing to pay Marchand.
Where Marchand Could Be Dealt To
There’s been no shortage of teams speculated as potential fits for Marchand, considering his blend of offensive production, leadership, and grit. Here are some potential suitors that have been mentioned:
Toronto Maple Leafs
Marchand has been discussed in trade talks with several leading contenders, including the Toronto Maple Leafs. Considering the Leafs’ plans to contend for the Stanley Cup by bringing in a player like Marchand—someone with experience and grit who can contribute to a high-octane attack—waking up his potential would be a game-changer. Not that the Leafs don’t have plenty of their own firepower already; in Marchand, they would add yet another dangerous scorer to a cast that already includes its own stars in Auston Matthews, Mitch Marner, and John Tavares.
Toronto could potentially send the Bruins younger players and future picks, which would assist Boston in reworking its roster while still providing instant value for their push into the playoffs.
Colorado Avalanche
Another team that could be interested in Marchand’s services are the Colorado Avalanche, who are coming off their 2022 Stanley Cup victory. Adding a player with Marchand’s leadership and versatility would bolster the Avalanche’s forward group, adding even more scoring depth as they try to contend for another title. Colorado’s lineup already features plenty of skill, but adding Marchand would be the missing piece that could help put them over the top.
The Bruins would get a haul of young players and draft picks, giving them the capital they would need to retool the franchise.
Edmonton Oilers
With Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl up front, the Edmonton Oilers would also stand to gain a lot from a player the like of Marchand. Although the Oilers’ offense is strong, they had a clear weakness in the bottom six in prior playoff runs. Marchand would bring grit and versatility and another scoring option to help even out Edmonton’s forward group.
In exchange, the Bruins would probably get back young players and possible salary cap relief, enabling them to rebuild while remaining competitive.
Expert Game Plan: What Do NHL Insiders Say?
Trade speculation has been swirling around Marchand, and NHL insiders seem to be aligning on the idea that the Bruins are in an enviable position. The team is not shopping Marchand but is open to sensible offers that align with their long-term plans, according to the report.
“The Bruins having always been deliberate in their approach to roster moves,” Pierre LeBrun, an NHL insider for TSN, wrote. “But a Marchand trade wouldn’t represent a fire sale, but a smart effort to acquire assets that could benefit the team in the long run.”
The other respected insider, Elliotte Friedman, said: “The Bruins are not looking to blow up their team, but they realize they need to know what their future looks like. If a team presents the right offer for Marchand, they couldn’t just ignore it.”
Assessing Marchand’s Trade Value
The third man in this trio is Brad Marchand, who, even at age 36, is still one of the league’s best players as he enters the twilight of his career. It makes him an elite asset for any team in need of bolstering for a playoff run with his offensive consistency, his leadership, and clutch performances. Here’s a look at his trade value:
Offensive Prowess
Marchand’s offensive stats are still good. Aged 36, he put up 58 points in the 2023-2024 season and is a proven top producer during his time with the Bruins. He can still create a shot for himself and finish plays, two signs that he’s still one of the top targets for a contending team.
Leadership
The importance of Marchand’s leadership, on the ice and off, cannot be overstated. As one of the Bruins’ longest-serving players, he’s an invaluable presence in the locker room. A player who knows what it takes to perform in the playoffs would certainly come in handy for teams looking to make a long postseason run.
Physical Play
Famous for his aggressive play, Marchand brings a level of toughness to teams. Though he can be a thorn in the side of enemies, he is also skilled at annoying opponents to the point where he alters the direction of matches through his all-around play and grit.
Conclusion: Are the Bruins Going to Move Marchand?
Brad Marchand has been the talk of the town, and not in a good way. While the Bruins have yet to make any definitive move, they find themselves in a position where a trade would make sense for both the present and future of the franchise.
With the trade deadline coming up, the Bruins’ front office will be under a microscope
