BOSTON — With just over a week until the NHL’s trade deadline, everything earns extra analysis and overinterpretation.
But in his postgame comments after Thursday’s loss to the Islanders, Brad Marchand sure sounded like a guy who is either expecting to still be with the Bruins next year or trying to speak it into happening.
The Boston captain was asked about the frustration coming from the season and the tough battle his team faced to make the playoffs.
Marchand said that fighting this year could get them into the playoffs or better prepare them for the 2025-26 season.
“The biggest thing is, when you go through adversity, and it comes in all kinds of different ways and it really just tests your character,” he said. “You don’t always achieve every goal you’re shooting for, but that’s what builds great bonds and great friendships when you go through this adversity together and we’re doing that.”
As he continued, Marchand took the unusual step, without provocation, of talking about next year, something he has rarely ever done in season.
“Obviously it hasn’t been the season that we’ve wanted and we haven’t had success that we would have liked this time of the year,” he continued. “But the good thing is that we’re coming together over it. And at the end of the day, we may not achieve what we hope to this year, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t build for something greater and bring it back next year. We’re going to work every single day to continue to improve and build our game and we’re going to claw and fight every single day to get into the playoffs here.”
Because Marchand is a free agent next year, with limited no-trade protection now, there has been speculation that teams could check on his availability before next week’s trade deadline. Marchand has said he wants to complete his career in Boston and doesn’t want to be moved.
Don Sweeney said last week, he hoped to reach an extension with his captain. But until the deadline passes or a deal is reached, the rumors are likely to persist.
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