Bruins' Marchand Eyed as Potential Trade to Panthers

The NHL trade deadline looms, and the buzz is all about Brad Marchand potentially moving from the Bruins to the Panthers, pending a call with the NHL. Meanwhile, in Raleigh, NC, 28-year-old Mikko Rantanen is making waves by refusing to extend his contract with the Carolina Hurricanes before the deadline hits at 3 p.m. on Friday. Known for his explosive scoring—having bagged over 100 points in two seasons—Rantanen is the top target this season according to The Athletic. As teams engage the Hurricanes in talks, they are also exploring options with the Boston Bruins for Marchand, seeking an alternative if Rantanen proves unattainable or too pricey.

Marchand, who has a partial no-trade clause affecting eight teams, might still need to be persuaded to waive it. The Bruins, however, seem earnest about letting him go and have reportedly set a steep price. An NHL insider speculates Marchand’s current market value includes a first-round pick, a player from an existing roster, and a high-caliber prospect. Yet, Marchand’s recent upper-body injury, incurred during a game against the Pittsburgh Penguins, and his determination to remain a Bruin, could complicate potential trades. This season, Marchand’s hefty contract of $49 million over eight years is set to expire, initiating year-long discussions for an extension that have yet to find a resolution, primarily due to disagreements over contract length.

Adding to the urgency, the Bruins are just three points shy of the wild-card playoff spot following a heart-wrenching 3-2 defeat to the Hurricanes. The Bruins, already reeling from trades and injuries—including those of Charlie McAvoy and Hampus Lindholm—are weighing their options. Recent trades, like that of Trent Frederic to the Oilers, highlight a strategy shift; The Bruins benefitted from these movements, gaining a second-round pick for Frederic despite his struggles. Meanwhile, assets like Justin Brazeau were exchanged with the Minnesota Wild for promising young talents and future draft picks.

While the Bruins grapple with these considerations, team sentiments remain high, albeit mixed. Forward Morgan Geekie summed up the mood, expressing that this tumultuous period in the season, though a normal part of the business, is hard as players bonded like family might be parted. But he remains hopeful for the team’s evolution post-trades. Once the dust settles, the Bruins aim to forge a solid line-up to continue building on their seasonal progress.