Should The Bruins Trade Marchand? Experts Weigh The Bruins' Star's True Value

The Boston Bruins have been a force to be reckoned with in the National Hockey League (NHL) for over a decade, thanks in large part to the dominance of their star player, Patrice Bergeron is actually their Captain and star player, not Marchand. However, if you are referring to Brad Marchand, who has been a key player for the Bruins since 2011, the question of whether the team should trade him has been a topic of much debate among hockey fans and experts alike.

Marchand has been an elite player in the NHL for many years, known for his incredible speed, skill, and work ethic on the ice. He has consistently scored over 50 points per season and has been a key contributor to the Bruins' success, helping the team win the Stanley Cup in 2011 and reach the playoffs multiple times. But as the NHL continues to evolve and the Bruins look to build a championship team, some experts believe that Marchand may not be the key piece they need to achieve their goals.

In this article, we'll explore the arguments for and against trading Brad Marchand, including the pros and cons of keeping him on the team, the potential risks and benefits of trading him, and what the future holds for Marchand and the Bruins.

The Case For Trading Marchand

One of the main arguments in favor of trading Marchand is that he is no longer the dominant player he once was. While he is still an elite player, he has taken a hit recently and his production has declined slightly. Some experts believe that Marchand's decline is due to a combination of factors, including a lack of depth at the Bruins' forward position and the loss of his defensive partner, Torey Krug.

• Some of the reasons for Marchand's decline include:
  • A decline in goal-scoring: Marchand has averaged around 40 goals per season over the past few years, down from a career-high of 51 goals in the 2013-2014 season.
  • A decline in plus/minus: Marchand's plus/minus rating has declined in recent years, from a career-high of +24 in the 2012-2013 season to +13 in the 2020-2021 season.
  • A lack of depth at the forward position: The Bruins have struggled to find consistent production from their fourth and fifth lines, which has put a strain on Marchand and other top players.
• However, it's worth noting that Marchand is still a valuable player, even if he's not as dominant as he once was. He remains a top-six forward and has the potential to produce 30-40 points per season.

The Case Against Trading Marchand

On the other hand, many experts believe that Marchand is still a valuable player who can help the Bruins win a championship. While he may not be the dominant player he once was, he remains a key contributor to the team's success and is a fan favorite in Boston.

• Some of the reasons for keeping Marchand include:
  • His experience and leadership: Marchand has been a key player for the Bruins for many years and has a deep understanding of the team's system and culture.
  • His versatility: Marchand is an elite player who can score, pass, and play both offense and defense.
  • His chemistry with other players: Marchand has developed a strong chemistry with other Bruins players, including goalie Tuukka Rask and defensemen Charlie McAvoy and Jake DeBrusk.
• Additionally, the Bruins have a strong team foundation in place, with a solid goaltending corps, a strong defense, and a deep forward pool. This means that even if Marchand is no longer the dominant player he once was, the team can still succeed without him.

The Risks of Trading Marchand

If the Bruins were to trade Marchand, they would be taking on significant risk. Marchand is a highly valuable player who can help any team win a championship. Trading him would require the Bruins to receive a player or players of similar value, which would be difficult to do.

• Some of the risks of trading Marchand include:
  • Giving up too much: The Bruins would need to give up a significant amount of value to a trade partner, which could put a strain on their roster and potentially hurt their chances of winning a championship.
  • Losing chemistry: Marchand is a key contributor to the team's chemistry and chemistry is hard to replicate. Trading him could disrupt the team's dynamics and make it harder for them to succeed.
• Additionally, trading Marchand could send a negative message to other players on the team. If the Bruins are willing to trade away a key player like Marchand, it could make other players question their own value and potentially lead to a lack of chemistry and cohesion on the team.

The Benefits of Trading Marchand

On the other hand, trading Marchand could also have benefits for the Bruins. By moving him to a new team, the Bruins could get fresh blood and new energy, which could help them to succeed in the future.

• Some of the benefits of trading Marchand include:
  • Getting younger: The Bruins are aging and could use some fresh blood. Trading Marchand for a younger player could help to revitalize the team and give them a chance to compete for a championship in the future.
  • Getting more versatility: Marchand is a one-dimensional player who is primarily a scorer. Trading him for a player who can play both offense and defense could give the Bruins more versatility and help them to succeed in a variety of different situations.
• Additionally, trading Marchand could provide the Bruins with some much-needed cap space. Marchand is a high-salary player who is owed a significant amount of money, which could help the Bruins to