Latest trade update sends Brad Marchand to Canada!

The Boston Bruins keep fighting for a playoff spot in the Eastern conference and the team’s recent struggles sparked speculation over captain Brad Marchand’s future. The veteran forward is playing out the final season of an eight-year, $49 million contract he signed in September of 2016 and is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent in July. Lately, trade rumours have intensified in Boston as the team may be seriously considering trading its captain.

Marchand’s pay rate – currently $6.125 million per season – could go in different directions and there is a sense that GM Don Sweeney would prefer to re-sign Marchand on a year-to-year contract as he’ll turn 37 this spring. With the veteran forward looking for more term, the Bruins could shop him, especially if they continue to struggle to clinch a playoff spot.

This prompted the Athletic to explain how the Edmonton Oilers would be a prime destination for Marchand.

Elliotte Friedman added fuel to the fire when he suggested there is credibility to the idea that Boston could trade Marchand.

“There was a time in this year where I didn’t think there was a chance that Marchand would be [traded] out [of Boston]. Now I think it’s not as certain, depending on what happens here.”

I’m sure that Marchand would much prefer to stick it out in Boston. He’s been a good leader this season and could even agree to taking a discount on his next contract to allow Sweeney the luxury of adding more pieces for another push next summer.

If ever he lands on the block and agrees to be traded, who knows if he would accept to move to the Oilers or would prefer a city other than Edmonton.

It’s been quite busy ahead of the trade deadline and, with all the hot rumours surfacing and Marchand now in the middle of it, it’ll only get busier from here until March 7.