The recent trade deadline caused seismic activity in the world of the NHL. Before March 7, Brad Marchand was inarguably the best Bruin out there. Franchise loyalty since 2006, Captaincy in the last 2 years, Marchand was the rock of the Boston Bruins. So, imagine the heartbreak when he was traded. Maybe he was traded to a better place, but Boston had been his home. It is an understatement to say that Marchand’s wife had a rude awakening when the trade news broke. She never saw it coming, to uproot the family, to pack up and move.

The veteran’s wife, Katrina Sloane, nevertheless kept her resolve intact as she sent a heartfelt message to the Bruins organization. She took to the Gram and posted a story as an ode to Boston. Katrina Sloane’s story says, “Boston, thank you for always giving Brad and our family so much love.” She also added, “We are eternally grateful for every moment we had with you. We will hold them close to our hearts forever. Love always, the Marchands ❤.”

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman offered a different perspective on the trade when asked about Brad Marchand’s family. Speaking on NHL Now after the Florida Panthers acquired Marchand from the Boston Bruins, Friedman shared his thoughts: “And I think at the end of the day, I’m sure it’s also easier on his family. But he Instagrams pictures of his family all the time. I’m sure it was easier on them.”

After dedicating more than a decade and a half to the Bruins, leaving Boston won’t be easy for Marchand. In the coming days, the Marchand family will say an emotional farewell to the city before heading to Florida. Five years ago, Marchand and Sloane purchased a three-story townhome in Charlestown, Massachusetts—just a short distance from Boston Garden. But more than the location, this home holds years of cherished memories. All three of their kids (Sloane shares two children with Brad and has one from a previous relationship) have spent their lives in the city, their upbringing shaped by their father’s dedication to the Bruins.

When it comes to defining loyalty in the NHL, Brad Marchand’s name undoubtedly belongs at the top. Drafted by the Bruins in the third round (71st overall) of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, he spent his entire career with the franchise—leading them to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011. Over 16 seasons, Marchand played an incredible 1,090 games, tallying 422 goals and 554 assists for a total of 976 points. Known for his dominant play, fiery personality, and controversial moments, he remained one of the league’s most talked-about figures.

While trade rumors had surfaced before, few believed they would actually materialize. Yet, just hours before the NHL trade deadline, the unthinkable happened—Brad Marchand was traded. It was a shock that no one saw coming.

Bruins sent Brad Marchand to Florida: Shocking NHL trade of the year 

After the Bruins’ 2011 Stanley Cup victory, many players came and went—but Brad Marchand remained a constant. For more than a decade and a half, he was a staple on the Bruins’ roster. That all changed just a day ago when Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers. The deal included a conditional 2027 second-round draft pick, which could convert into a 2028 pick depending on whether the Panthers win two rounds in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

Addressing the trade, Bruins GM Don Sweeney explained the team’s reasoning: “Clearly, we looked at the opportunities in front of us to change the direction of things, without just tearing things down.” He emphasized that this move aligned with the Bruins’ long-standing philosophy, adding, “That’s not been part of the DNA of this organization and won’t be.” Marchand was in the final year of his contract—a deal he signed in 2016 worth $49 million over eight years. It was the second extension of his career, but this time, the Bruins were unable to offer him another one.

For Florida, acquiring Marchand before the deadline comes with risks. The veteran forward is currently sidelined with an upper-body injury sustained on March 1, when he collided with the boards after a hit from the Penguins’ P.O. Joseph. He has not returned to the ice since, and there is no clear timeline for his debut with the Panthers. Despite the uncertainty, Florida’s captain expressed enthusiasm about Marchand joining the team: “Everyone knows what kind of player and human he is. I’m excited to have him on my side for once.”

While the move brings excitement for the Panthers, it also marks a bittersweet moment for Marchand’s family and Bruins fans. Now, all eyes are on his recovery and when he will finally make his first appearance in a Panthers jersey.