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Boston Bruins fans are up in arms. The trade of the legendary Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers took fans and media by surprise and caused a widespread backlash toward the front office, led by general manager Don Sweeney.
Marchand is a Panthers icon. The star forward began his NHL career in October 2009 after a brief but impactful stint with the Providence Bruins of the American Hockey League (AHL). In a 23-year career, including his time as an amateur, Marchand has scored 401 goals and dished out 528 assists in 1,029 games.
In the final season of a seven-year, $49 million contract, Marchand failed to reach a new deal with the team. With time running out, the Bruins reached an agreement with the Panthers just before the NHL trade deadline, sparking fan outrage.
Fans call for Sweeney's firing
The news set social media ablaze, with fans "calling for blood" for their idol's trade. "OH, GOD NO!!!" cried one fan on X (formerly Twitter), followed by another who claimed, "I'm k***ing myself," and a third claimed, "I'm sick to may stomach."
Another angry fan pointed out that the trade was to the Bruins' biggest rival, saying, "I couldn't possibly hate this more (maybe if it was Toronto. Maybe." Another took the opportunity to question the front office, "Cannot believe we traded our captain within the division. Holy Hell, what is Sweeney doing?"
Another was more vocal, saying, "Get Don Sweeney away from my franchise. Fire this m*ron today," another ed him by saying, "Sweeney may as well go into witness protection." However, others pointed the finger at the player, with one saying, "Marchand is a sellout and wants a cup."
What did the Bruins get in return for their star?
In exchange for the 15-year-season, 36-year-old veteran, the Bruins received a conditional draft pick, which will be a second-round pick in 2027 or a first-round pick in 2028 if Florida wins two rounds of the Stanley Cup Playoffs in 2025 and Marchand participates in 50% of the team's playoff games.
While fans continue to debate Marchand's departure, Boston's front office appears to be aiming for a revamp of the team, which has not been a true Stanley Cup since they lost the finals against the St. Louis Blues in 2019.