Boston Bruins legend Patrice Bergeron recently revealed that his children asked for a Florida Panthers jersey of Brad Marchand, but he firmly declined their request.
Bergeron and Marchand were longtime teammates, spending 14 seasons together in Boston and playing key roles in the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup victory. Bergeron retired in 2023, and Marchand was subsequently named team captain. However, Marchand’s tenure as captain was short-lived, as he was traded to the Florida Panthers at the deadline, a move that stunned fans and analysts alike.
Speaking about Marchand’s departure, Bergeron admitted it felt strange to see his former teammate in different colors.
“My kids were asking for a Marchy Florida jersey… it’s way too early for that. Just seeing that footage, it’s definitely different.”
Tuukks, Bergy, & Razor react to the Marchand trade#NESNViews | 🤝 @CoorsBanquet pic.twitter.com/XlxQIb6nJ6
— NESN (@NESN) March 18, 2025
“Yeah. That was a big, big change. Definitely weird. I said earlier that my kids were asking for Marshy’s Florida jersey, I said, way too early for that,” Bergeron said via NESN. “Just seeing that footage is definitely different, obviously. I love him so much. I wish him all the best. But it’s definitely gonna be different not seeing him with black and gold.”
Marchand’s Trade and Future with the Panthers
The decision to trade Marchand was controversial, with many Bruins fans expressing frustration over how the team handled negotiations. Boston and Marchand had been in talks about a contract extension before the deadline but failed to reach an agreement, ultimately leading to the trade.
Marchand, 36, is in the final year of his eight-year, $49 million contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1. This season, he has recorded 47 points, with 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games.
When Will Marchand Make His Panthers Debut?
Marchand has been sidelined since late February due to an upper-body injury sustained in a game against the Tampa Bay Lightning. According to CBS, he is expected to return by March 28 and could make his Panthers debut in one of two upcoming games against the Montreal Canadiens later this month.
Despite the unexpected trade, Marchand remains a respected figure in Boston, and his future beyond this season will be closely watched by both Bruins and Panthers fans.