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Insider Reveals The Harsh Reality Of Why The Boston Bruins Needed To Trade Brad Marchand
Photo credit: WSVN
The harsh reality of the Boston Bruins trade of forward Brad Marchand, is simple he was too expensive for a team who needs to retool.
The Boston Bruins have had to re-evaluate their plans once they knew they weren't going to make the playoffs this season.
This triggered a massive sell-off which saw the team get rid of the core which the team has consisted of, since at least 2019.
The one that hurt was Marchand though, and NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman goes into detail on how the Bruins had to approach the trade.
Given they weren't in win-now mode, and Marchand's contract ask was expensive, they opted to trade him to a place where he could win a Cup, Florida.
The business side of hockey would take over, as he'd try to get the team to compromise on AAV.
But they were unable to meet his contract demands, and would instead have to ask for a trade from GM Don Sweeney.
The meeting was said to have hurt Marchand, according to Friedman, as he wanted to retire a Bruin, a fact that we all know.
Now, the prospect is long gone and he resides in Sunrise, Florida.
Marchand has been humble throughout the entire process, which we thought would get done last off-season and has carried into March.
"The one thing I always respect, I told Cam and Sweens this, they have a job to do and they have to make the best decisions for the team. I completely understand where the decisions need to be made. It sometimes works against you."
Marchand will be a pending UFA at the end of the season if he can't find a way to sign an extension in Florida.
Could the former Bruins captain return to Boston?
If you look at how organizations who have ditched their captains recently look, it seems unlikely.
The Blackhawks and Lightning have parted ways with their prior captains and never looked back.
It looks like this could be it for Marchand and the Bruins, unfortunately.
Previously on Bruins Insider
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MARS 11 | 1023 ANSWERS Insider Reveals The Harsh Reality Of Why The Boston Bruins Needed To Trade Brad Marchand Do you think GM Don Sweeney of the Boston Bruins will re-sign forward Brad Marchand in July? | ||
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