Brad Marchand Gets Emotional In First Comments Since Bruins Trade

Brad Marchand is excited about the new opportunity in a place he wants to be, but he’s still processing the emotions from his Bruins exit.

Marchand made his first appearance as a member of the Florida Panthers on Monday morning, appearing in front of reporters decked out in jarring new team gear. It was his first time to address Friday’s franchise-altering decision for the Bruins to trade him to Florida and continue their retooling.

As one might imagine, Marchand was emotional Monday morning. Multiple times he choked up while trying to put into words the emotions that come with leaving the only team he knew for 16 years.

“I’ve had an incredible run in that organization,” Marchand told reporters. “I’m extremely proud. Just how things went there. It was very disappointing that things didn’t get done just because obviously I love the organization. I wanted to stay there, but at the end of the day, I also know that business is business and every player has a shelf life. Regardless of (if) that’s when we want it to be or not. Sometimes there are things out of our control that dictate situations.

“If we were in playoffs at that point in the time, we’d probably be having a much different conversation and I know that. It’s something we talked about previously, but we weren’t, and at that point, very tough decisions had to be made.”

Marchand, who also took out a page in The Boston Globe to thank fans, got especially emotional reflecting on his relationship with general manager Don Sweeney, calling him one of the best in the NHL. The winger also clearly appreciated the willingness of Sweeney, president Cam Neely and the rest of the Bruins to send him to Florida.

“One thing I always respect, and I told Cam and Sweens this, (but) they have a job to do and they have to make the best decisions for the team,” Marchand told reporters. “I completely understand. Where the decisions need to be made, yeah, sometimes they work against you, but that’s why I believe Sweens is one of, if not the best general managers in the league.

(The most emotional part of Marchand’s press conference comes around the 14:30 mark.)

“I’ve watched him for a very long time excel at his job and for those who are in the organization and know the effort he puts in every day, and how hard he works, no one would question where his loyalty lies and that is to do what’s best for the team every day. When you’re part of that group, you feel it, and every guy has there day. Obviously, it’s not what you want to happen, but I don’t hold that against him or the group. It’s just part of the life, part of the game. But also, he did create this opportunity for me to be here, so I am grateful beyond words for everything that organization has done for me.”

Things will be a little weird once again Tuesday when the Panthers take on the Bruins in Boston’s first home game since trading Marchand. However, the awkwardness will be lessened by the fact that Marchand remains out for a few weeks with an upper-body injury.