The Florida Panthers traded for Brad Marchand last season in a deal with the Boston Bruins. Marchand, Boston’s captain at the time, wanted a chance to win the Stanley Cup. He did just that, as the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in six games for their second straight Stanley Cup.
On Tuesday, the future Hall of Famer returns to Boston for the first time.
Florida is off to a bit of a slow start this season. The Panthers are missing key players due to injury and have lost four straight games following a three-game winning streak to begin the year. Marchand and his teammates hope to get back on track against a Bruins team that has also lost four straight games.
However, this game will mean more to Marchand than just the losing streaks. He spent his entire career in Boston before the trade and won his first Stanley Cup with the franchise. This matchup is expected to be a very emotional night for the former Boston captain.
“It’s going to be weird. I think there’s going to be a lot of different emotions. Even playing in the 4 Nations for Canada was different. There’s a mix—a mix of emotions being on the other side of it. There’s a lot that goes with the situation I’m in now,” Marchand explained.
At 37 years old, Marchand has helped lead the Panthers early this season. He leads the team with six points in seven games, including three goals, which also pace his Florida teammates. He is a tone-setter for the team and an integral part of the locker room.
The Panthers are trying to stay on course, and Marchand will be key to getting them on track again. However, Tuesday’s game is going to be personal for Marchand, and it should be a special night for him and the fans in attendance.
https://clutchpoints.com/nhl/florida-panthers/panthers-brad-marchand-weird-admission-return-bruins-clash
