Brad Marchand stepped back onto TD Garden ice, but this time, it wasn’t in a Bruins jersey. Instead, he was rocking a Florida Panthers practice fit, marking his first skate with his new squad since the blockbuster trade that shook the NHL. Though sidelined with an injury, Marchand still took those familiar steps onto the ice, and even he admitted, “Definitely still a little bit that I’ve got to get through here… It still felt weird.” After 16 years as a Boston staple, seeing him anywhere but in black and gold had Bruins fans doing a double take.
And let’s be real—stepping onto TD Garden as a visitor? That’s gotta hit different. But even without lacing up for game night, Marchand’s presence still had an impact. Right as he made his return, the Bruins went ahead and shattered a 16-year-old franchise record, almost as if the hockey gods wanted to mark the occasion. Coincidence? Maybe. But it sure felt like Marchand’s presence alone stirred up some magic at TD Garden, even if he was just watching from the side.
Boston Bruins breaks a record!
Bruins Breakdown hit up X on March 11 with a stat that had Boston fans feeling some type of way. “For the first time since the 08-09 season, the #NHLBruins take the ice at TD Garden without Brad Marchand on their roster.” Yeah, you read that right. The TD Garden lights flickered on, the Bruins suited up, but for the first time in forever, No. 63 wasn’t in the mix. Fifteen years of grit, chirps, and clutch plays—and now, just like that, a new era begins.
For the first time since the 08-09 season, the #NHLBruins take the ice at TD Garden without Brad Marchand on their roster pic.twitter.com/FauVLYRX10
— Bruins Breakdown (@TCalauttis) March 11, 2025
Brad Marchand wasn’t just a player for the Boston Bruins—he was the heart and soul of the squad, the guy who bled black and gold for 16 seasons straight. With 1,090 games under his belt, 422 goals ripped past goaltenders, and a jaw-dropping 976 points, his name is practically etched into Bruins history. He’s been a scoring machine, racking up 20-goal seasons like it’s second nature—12 in a row, to be exact. Oh, and that shiny Stanley Cup ring from 2011? Yeah, he earned that one in true Marchand fashion.
But now? The script has flipped. Marchand’s facing off against the Bruins, not as their warrior, but as their rival. And while that might feel surreal, he’s embracing it—one final showdown to say goodbye the right way. The fans, the city, the memories? He’s already sent his love to the Boston faithful. But this game? This is where he closes the chapter.
Marchand set to say his goodbyes!
This story is developing…
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