Brad Marchand has spent the last 14 seasons developing into one of the top left wings in the National Hockey League. The pesky forward has gone from a league pest who crosses the line at times, much to the chagrin of opposing teams and their fans, to maturing into a threat to score every night and arguably the hardest worker on the ice. It took 29 NHL games for Marchand to score his first goal after playing 20 games in 2009-10 with just one point in 12 minutes of ice time on average. The third-round draft pick was a scrappy, undersized player whose ceiling was probably as a bottom-six agitator. Fourteen years later, he’s an agitator headed to the Hall of Fame someday.
With Patrice Bergeron retiring, Marchand becomes the leader of the Bruins and a potential captain. Many years ago, people would never have believed that Marchand would be captain material, but his maturation and elite play have made him the sensible choice. The Nova Scotia native is a fan favorite and still draws the ire of opposing fans and players. The left-wing even has the league on watch occasionally for on-the-edge play. The difference now is that Marchand is 35 years old with two years remaining on his current contract and had double hip surgery just a year ago. There has been no indication from Marchand of whether this will be his last two years, but there also hasn’t been any hint that it isn’t.
Marchand is now tasked with carrying the torch that has been carried by Zdeno Chara and Bergeron over the last several years. With several young players coming up through the Bruins season over the next couple of seasons, Marchand will be the guy who shows the way. Last season, the 5-foot-9 forward still produced 21 goals and 46 assists in 73 games. But there was a little something missing to his games as he worked his hips back into shape. Now with an off-season that was extended a little longer because of the Bruins’ pre-Memorial Day exit from the playoffs, Marchand should be even stronger and looking to get back to a point-per-game pace.
The question will be, who is Marchand’s center after playing with Bergeron for the better part of 12 seasons? It could be Pavel Zacha or maybe Charlie Coyle. Maybe newcomer Morgan Geekie gets some time at the center with Marchand. Regardless, Marchand will be looking to improve on his 862 points as he approaches his 1,000th regular season game. Look for a big season from Brad Marchand. It’s hard to believe though, that it could be his second to last of his career.
Love the article! He’s a player who improves himself and those around him! I think Charlie Coyle with be a fantastic pair and I’m excited for the new year!! Definitely golden B’s time ahead!! I’ll watch every minute!