In the end, it wasn’t meant to be for Brad Marchand and the Boston Bruins fans. After spending years of countless memories and thrilling performances, Marchand finally bid adieu to the Bruins after getting traded to the Florida Panthers. The NHL veteran spent 16 years with the Bruins and even won the Stanley Cup in 2010-11. So, the 36-year-old got emotional after being traded to the Panthers, saying, “I’m extremely proud of how things went there. It was very disappointing things didn’t get done. I love the organization and wanted to stay there but I know business is business.” The Bruins’ fans were left angry and disappointed after watching Marchand leave their team.

Serving the Bruins for over a decade and a half, Marchand went on to create several records for his team. Additionally, he also has scored 47 points this season, including 21 goals and 26 assists. Having had a long-term association with the Bruins and its fans, Marchand had a heartwarming message for them after his trade to the Panthers.

He revealed, “Thank you for welcoming me into this great city when I was just a young Canadian kid looking to break it into the best league in the world. You allowed me to achieve my dream of playing in the National Hockey League and winning the Stanley Cup. For this I am forever grateful.” Nonetheless, fans were not happy after watching their star player leave.

Fans vent their frustration after Brad Marchand gets traded to the Panthers

Minutes ago, Marchand’s emotional interview went viral on social media. Donning the Panthers’ kit, Marchand remembered his old team and the countless memories made there. Moreover, he got teary-eyed while reminiscing about those moments. Subsequently, one of the fans couldn’t watch Marchand getting emotional and said, “This is hard to watch as a #NHLBruins fan.”

Then, there were also rumors of things not being well between the Bruins and Brad Marchand ahead of the trade. With Marchand wanting to stay, the Bruins were eager to trade their star player, which didn’t go down well with the team’s fans. As a result, a fan commented, “His own organization didn’t even like him.” Despite wanting to stay with the Bruins, Marchand’s request went unheard and he was eventually traded to the Bruins. Nonetheless, he paid a heartwarming tribute to his old team, which impressed many fans. One of them wrote, “Class act and a true professional.”

On the other hand, a section of fans were left displeased at the Bruins’ management who decided to trade Marchand to the Panthers. Ending the long-term association with the Bruins, Marchand has left behind a massive void to fill. A Twitter user expressed his frustration at Marchand’s trade, saying, “This is gross and I’m mad again.” Similarly, another fan couldn’t help but express his disappointment over Marchand’s trade. The 36-year-old was a key player in helping his team to a Stanley Cup title and become serious contenders in the seasons to come. Thus, a fan wrote, “Tough to watch, but mad respect for the little rat, he earned his C, and made Boston a contender for years.”

While it may be tough to watch for the Bruins’ fanbase, the Panthers would have been delighted to acquire Marchand’s services. Can he shine with his new team, the Florida Panthers? Let us know your views in the comments below.