Bruins after dark

There was no headline bigger for the Boston Bruins this season than Brad Marchand leaving town. But now, for the first time since the deadline deal that sent him to the Florida Panthers, Marchand is finally sharing his side of the story.

In a recent sit-down with Sportsnet, the veteran winger spoke openly about why he wanted out of Boston — and why Florida was the only place he wanted to go.

That was the team that I wanted to be traded to. You’re looking for the best opportunity to chase a cup, Marchand said in the segment.

Bruins’ offseason moves failed to spark the team

Coming into the year, expectations in Boston were sky high. GM Don Sweeney had pulled the trigger on big-name signings, bringing in Elias Lindholm and Nikita Zadorov on hefty contracts.

But chemistry didn’t come quickly, and it showed early.

Both players eventually started to find their place in the system, but by then, the Bruins were already slipping out of playoff position.

It didn’t help that Jeremy Swayman, fresh off an eight-year extension signed just before opening night, had a tough year in goal.

His numbers — 22-29-7 with a 3.11 GAA and .892 save percentage — simply weren’t what Boston needed from its No. 1.

Marchand wanted out — and had one team in mind

While fans were shocked by the deadline trade, the move wasn’t as spontaneous as it seemed.

According to multiple reports, Marchand had already turned down several contract offers from the Bruins, making it clear he was looking elsewhere.

His reasoning was simple — he wasn’t chasing money.

He was chasing one more Cup.

You’re looking for the best opportunity to chase a cup, he said again, this time with conviction.

Florida, a team the Bruins have battled with in recent postseasons, was where he saw his best chance.

Marchand didn’t waste time settling in with the Panthers

The Panthers, stacked with depth and already built for the playoffs, welcomed him with open arms. And from all accounts, the fit has been seamless.

He’s added leadership, grit, and playoff experience to an already strong locker room — exactly what they hoped for when they made the deal.

As for Boston, it’s still adjusting to life without one of its most iconic players. But for Marchand, the path forward was clear — and it led him to Florida.