Frank Seravalli recently spoke about the possible future destination for pending UFA Brad Marchand and believes it’s not going to be with his long-time Bruins.
After reports circulated regarding Brad Marchand re-signing with the Boston Bruins, he quickly refuted those reports and labeled them as nothing more than tabloid journalism. The long-time Boston Bruin has been one of the most consistent players over the last decade, and it’s hard to imagine Boston having the success they did without Marchand. Having another successful year with 9 points in 12 games, he’s one of the only Bruins who have been a bright spot this season.
So is there a world where Brad Marchand is no longer a Boston Bruins staple? According to Frank Seravalli, there’s a chance. Speaking with Jonny Lazarus about the future of Brad Marchand in Boston, Seravalli mentioned that Marchand is more than likely a Bruin for life; but it isn’t 100%.
«I don’t see a scenario where he’s anywhere but Boston,» Seravalli said. «The way that he’s grown and matured into that role as leader of that team has been incredibly impressive.”
Although he did relate that Marchand’s situation is very similar to the one that Steven Stamkos faced in Tampa Bay. Many assumed the former captain would be a Lightning player for life, but with their focus shifting elsewhere, they decided to cut ties, regardless of fan disagreement. It’s possible the same thing could happen in Boston too according to Seravalli:
“This time around, I thought they’d show him and extend him that same loyalty, and they didn’t.”
GM Cam Neely is never one to shy away from speaking his mind or even calling out his players for not signing a contract. It could be that he finds Boston’s failure this year as a sign that what once was is no longer, and the team needs an overhaul which would include letting Marchand go. Boston is going to need money to re-sign several RFA’s, including Mason Lohrei, John Beecher, and Morgan Geekie; not to mention they are losing Marchand, Trent Frederic, Cole Koepke, Justin Brazeau, and Parker Wotherspoon as UFA’s come summer.
If Boston is serious about showing their fans that winning means more than hurt feelings, they should look into letting Marchand go. He can still contribute, but as he is already 36, time is ticking as he winds down in the twilight of his career; Boston needs to plan for their future, and much like the departure of Patrice Bergeron, Brad Marchand will head elsewhere next year as the Bruins start building towards their next dynasty with David Pastrnak at the helm.
