Boston Bruins

Marchand’s Return to Boston Has Former Bruin “A Little Emotional”

Former Bruins captain Brad Marchand returns to TD Garden, reflecting on 16 unforgettable seasons and the fans who made Boston home.

by
NHL Trade Talk
October 21, 2025

For the first time in his storied career, Brad Marchand will skate onto the ice at TD Garden wearing something other than a Bruins uniform. The longtime Boston Bruins star and former captain makes his return Tuesday night as a member of the Florida Panthers, marking the first time he’ll be playing against his old team in Boston. The game will put a stamp on the end of an era for one of the franchise’s most passionate and productive players.

Over 16 seasons in Boston, Marchand became the face of Bruins hockey. When he was traded at last season’s deadline, it stung in ways many found unimaginable, including Marchand. The gritty, skilled, and unrelenting winger never thought he’d play anywhere else. Things work out differently than expected sometimes.

The two sides couldn’t find common ground on an extension, and the former Stanley Cup champion was moved to Florida, where he once again became a defending Cup champion this season. “I’m sure it’s going to be tough for some people,” Marchand said. “They won’t be able to cheer because they don’t like the Panthers very much. Maybe they’ll like me enough to give a little ‘Yay’ or something.”

Marchand registered 976 points in 1,090 games, while setting franchise records for overtime goals, shorthanded goals, and playoff goals. There will be plenty of reasons to give him more than a little ‘Yay’. That said, he knows the drill. “If I do something bad, they’ll probably boo me pretty quick.”

Speaking ahead of the game, Marchand admitted the emotions have already begun to surface. “I thought about it for the first time Sunday night… started to get a little emotional,” he said. “There’s too many memories.”

The 36-year-old reunited Monday with former teammates Patrice Bergeron, Zdeno Chara, Tuukka Rask, and Adam McQuaid for dinner — one that Marchand joked he ended up paying for.

Reflecting on his time in Boston, Marchand didn’t hesitate when asked what made the city special. “The fans for sure,” he said. “They bleed Black and Gold. You can’t slip in this city or you’ll hear about it, but that’s what makes it so special to play here.”

Next: Martin Nečas and Avalanche Both Face Tough Contract Call