Could Brad Marchand Return To Bruins This Summer?

The idea of Brad Marchand returning to the Boston Bruins remains a topic of conversation as free agency nears, but there’s little indication a reunion is gaining traction.

While Marchand and the Bruins never publicly ruled out a reunion following the surprising trade that sent him to the Florida Panthers, the tone between the two sides felt like a mutual decision to move on.

The possibility was floated over the weekend by Toronto-based reporter Pierre LeBrun that Boston could make a play for Marchand if he does not re-sign with Florida before July 1. However, that likelihood appears slim, according to Steve Conroy of The Boston Herald.

As we wait to see Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, several teams including Boston and Toronto hope to talk to him come Tuesday when the market opens, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Cup champs. The Bruins would certainly be open to bringing him back. But again, perhaps…

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2025

The Bruins have pivoted toward a retooling effort. Prior to Boston’s trade with Florida, Marchand wasn’t interested in accepting what he felt would have been another team-friendly deal.

Marchand went on to lift his second Stanley Cup with the Panthers, finishing second in Conn Smythe voting. He embraced the spotlight during the Florida’s playoff run, eased media pressure on his teammates and emerged as the face of their celebration.

Still, the Bruins could weigh a return if the economics make sense. Conroy floated a potential three-year, $8 million annual deal as more palatable than longer-term options for other available wingers.

Staying in Boston would also allow Marchand to avoid uprooting his family, a key factor for a 37-year-old player with roots in the area. But from a leadership standpoint, it no longer feels like Marchand’s team.

“This moment feels like it is David Pastrnak’s and Charlie McAvoy’s time to take the reins,” as Conroy put it.

Marchand’s legacy in Boston is secure, and while the door may not be fully closed, the next time Bruins fans see No. 63 on the ice at TD Garden may be when his number rises to the rafters.