The Boston Bruins have started the season with a mix of inconsistency and controversy. With a 3-3-1 record through their first seven games, their recent loss to the Nashville Predators followed a bench altercation.
A heated exchange between captain Brad Marchand and head coach Jim Montgomery was broadcast live during the Bruins’ game against the Utah Hockey Club, sparking speculation from Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman about possible tensions within the locker room.
This incident has Bruins fans concerned, particularly because Marchand’s contract expires after the 2024-25 season. Despite these concerns, the team appears to be in no rush to address his future.
Nick Kypreos of the Toronto Star suggested that after a prolonged contract negotiation with goaltender Jeremy Swayman, Boston’s management, led by president Cam Neely, may take a similar approach with Marchand.
At 36, Marchand is currently on a team-friendly deal worth $6.1 million per season, but Kypreos speculated that the team may wait before negotiating a new contract, similar to how they handled former captain Patrice Bergeron’s situation. Fans may fear Marchand leaving, but Boston could offer him the choice to return or retire, as they did with Bergeron.
