Bruins Rumors: Boston ‘Worked With’ Brad Marchand On Trade

The Bruins shook the very foundation of their franchise on Friday.

Boston, as you’ve undoubtedly heard by now, traded franchise icon and team captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers — placing the nail in the coffin of what was undoubtedly a difficult decision to part with multiple cornerstone players before the trade deadline.

Marchand’s departure from the organization was as shocking as any over the last several seasons, with his ultimate landing spot being with one of the club’s biggest rivals.

It’s not like that wasn’t part of the plan, though.

“The Bruins are always going to view Brad Marchand as family,” ESPN’s Emily Kaplan reported on Saturday. “He’s a legacy player, he’s going to be honored as such at a later date, but this was a really difficult situation for all parties involved… (Boston) did work with him to ensure that he went to a preferred destination.”

Kaplan also reported that a three-year extension was on the table in February, but average annual value became a sticking point before the sides ultimately elected to move on.

The Bruins will face the Panthers at TD Garden on Tuesday, though it is unknown whether or not Marchand will be available.