Brad Marchand‘s Boston Bruins stint ended in a way no one anticipated. As the team’s heart and soul for the past 16 years, Marchand was not extended a contract, and is now settling off on a new journey with the Florida Panthers. And while Bruins fans are still reeling from the decision made, Marchand himself has nothing but respect for the front office for making the tough decision.

In discussing his departure, Brad Marchand directly addressed Bruins GM Don Sweeney and President Cam Neely, telling them that while he did not want to leave, he understood the business side of the game.

“And the one thing that I always respect, I told Cam [Neely] and [Don] Sweeney, this is…they have a job to do and they have to make the best decisions for the team,” Marchand shared. “I completely understand where the decisions need to be made.”

But the raw emotion in his voice told a different story. Marchand wasn’t just any Boston player—he was a franchise legend. And seeing him fight back tears as he spoke about his time with the Bruins showed just how painful this breakup was for him.

Adjusting to life in Florida After Leaving Boston

For the first time in his career, Brad Marchand is suiting up for a new team. The veteran forward is now a member of the Florida Panthers. However, while he’s embracing the change, it’s been an emotional adjustment.

“It has been a whirlwind here the last few days,” Marchand said at his introductory press conference in Fort Lauderdale. He admitted that putting on Florida gear still felt strange. Recalling how he Face-Timed his kids before officially wearing a Panthers hat for the first time. “It was a weird feeling,” he confessed.

Despite the emotional departure, Marchand recognizes the opportunity in front of him. The Panthers are in the midst of a dominant season, leading second in the Atlantic Division with a 40-21-3 record and a six-game win streak. The team has outscored opponents 20-5 during that stretch, making them a legitimate Stanley Cup contender. “Ultimately, we chase the Stanley Cup,” Marchand said. “You want a chance at playing for that every single year. You never know how long you have in this league, and you want to make the most of it,” he said.

However, Marchand’s leadership remains as strong as ever, even in a new locker room. While he acknowledged he’s not here to take over, he’s still the same brash, competitive player. The qualities that made him a star in Boston. His connection with new teammates is already forming. Including Sam Bennett, the same player who delivered a controversial hit to Marchand in last year’s playoffs. Now, the two are teammates, and Marchand couldn’t resist a joke.

“Yeah, still a scumbag,” Marchand quipped with a smirk. “No, Benny is great. We get along really, really well… I’m sure my jaw is really looking forward to playing with him.”  Though he remains out due to an upper-body injury, he will travel with the team. Panthers coach Paul Maurice acknowledged the significance of the moment, saying, “This is a big, big deal. And it needs to be respected.”

Fans will never forget Marchand’s impact, even though Boston may have moved on. Whether his time in Florida leads to another Stanley Cup or not, his legacy with the Bruins is undeniable. His leadership, grit, and relentless competitive spirit made him the face of the franchise for over a decade.

Boston’s decision to move on was a tough one, and while Marchand has accepted it, his emotions reveal just how much he loved being a Bruin. The transition to Florida might feel strange now, but as he chases another championship, he’ll always carry a piece of Boston with him. And when he eventually returns to TD Garden, the fans will be ready to give their former captain the sendoff he truly deserves.