The NHL trade deadline is tomorrow. For many fans of the sport, the window is as good as closed. However, the rumors have surfaced that the Boston Bruins may be planning to drop a shocker in the dying moments of the trade window. What’s even more surprising is who they’re planning to trade. It’s none other than team captain Brad Marchand.

Naturally, even rumors about such a decision have ruffled the fan base’s feathers. NHL Insider Chris Johnston spilled the beans on the happenings at the Bruins camp. As per the analyst, the Boston Bruins are still hashing out the terms of a contract extension, but have their hand on the window to keep it open till the last moment.

“Teams calling with interest aren’t being told ‘no’ right now,” claimed Johnston. However, as you may have expected, the plan to trade the team’s captain who showed interest in staying isn’t an idea fans warmed up to on social media. “(The) Bruins have 0 identity this season. Trading their captain away, who should be a Bruin for life, will bring hell on this franchise. Fans will be pi**ed. “Ownership would/should be selling the team. Protesting. Shi**y morale for the rest of the team. They will not recoup,” comment a furious fan.

Unfortunately, things may be moving toward that direction whether fans like it or not. This isn’t the first time the TSN Journalist has spoken about Marchand’s future with the Bruins. He even provided a probable destination. “The feeling league-wide is that the Bruins are likely going to trade Brad Marchand to the Western Conference,” Johnston said on Thursday’s Insider Trading.

Meanwhile, the 36-year-old Bruin isn’t doing so well, reportedly. Pierre-Olivier Joseph hit Marchand from behind during the Bruins’ loss against the Nashville Predators. The team Captain has been out since sustaining that injury. However, Elliotte Friedman explained he could be out till the playoffs. The Bruins, however, may not even make it that far, and trading Marchand on top of that may only invite criticism.

Fans debate as Brad Marchand’s future remains uncertain

Many Bruins fans agreed that the team captain shouldn’t be unceremoniously traded at the last minute. “Well, I wouldn’t like the bruins to lose him. Best to keep him around,” wrote one fan. However, there’s good reason behind the fans’ sentiment. Despite his age, Marchand has been great for the team even during a season most would label as a disappointing one.

With 47 points in 61 games, the captain has shown his consistency. Maybe that’s why other Bruins fans were furious about entertaining the idea. “I don’t feel that trading your (injured, mind you) captain is the move, esp not for the Bruins,” commented one fan. On the flip side, others argued why other teams would be interested in an aging player. “Not sure why they would sign him. Look at their situation, and he’ll be 37 soon,” commented another NHL fan.

However, age doesn’t seem to be too much of a limitation for Marchand, as he proved during Canada’s triumphant 4 Nations Face-Off campaign. The Bruins captain was one of the heroes of Canada’s 4-3 overtime win against Sweden. And then there were the fans who showed intrigue towards the teams that want Marchand.

“What teams are interested?” asked one fan. Although Chris Johnston didn’t name any teams, one team’s name came up. Many of those who didn’t find an issue with the trade rumor called for Brad Marchand to move to the Toronto Maple Leafs. However, if Chris Johnston is to be believed, the Canadian star is heading to a Western Conference team. Which team do you think would be interested in Marchand? Tell us in the comments.