Prior to Saturday’s Thrashers-Bruins contest, the Bruins, NESN and Central Jeep of Norwood and Raynham announced that Bruins forward Brad Marchand was named the winner of NESN’s Seventh Player Award, as voted by the fans on NESN.com. The award is presented to the Bruin who went above and beyond the call of duty and exceeded the expectations of Bruins fans during the 2010-11 season.
The 22-year-old Marchand has 21 goals and 19 assists for 40 points in his 72 games played with the B’s this season as a rookie. As of Friday, April 1, Marchand’s 40 points place him seventh among rookies in scoring and his 21 goals rank fifth among rookies. He is also tied for second in the league overall in shorthanded goals with five. The Bruins are 16-1-2 this season when the 2006 third-round pick scores.
In addition to the Seventh Player Award trophy, Marchand will receive $5,000 to donate to the charity of his choice. A fan who voted for Marchand in the online poll was drawn at random and will receive a new Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo from Central Jeep of Norwood and Raynham.
Past recipients of the honor include Tuukka Rask (2010), David Krejci (2009) and Milan Lucic (2008).
