NHL Trade Rumors: Analyst opines on how Brad Marchand's Bruins future impacts that of $90,000,000 superstar  

The Boston Bruins may make big changes before the NHL trade deadline on March 7. Analyst EJ Hradek believes Brad Marchand’s future could impact David Pastrnak’s role with the team.

The Bruins have struggled this season (24-20-6). They are sitting fourth in the Atlantic Division and have lost eight of their last 12 games, including a six-game losing streak.

Speaking on NHL Network, Hradek said:

"What are the assets you're going to get from Brad Marchand? If this team adds a centerman—especially a number two center—they’ve got a lot of good pieces to build on. They’re not a high-scoring team; they have to work for everything they get. But adding depth down the middle is what they need the most, and that’s hard to find. It’s hard to get those guys."

Offensively, the Bruins rank 21st in goals per game (2.72) and league-worst 30th in power-play percentage (13.4%). On defense, they allow 3.14 goals per game and rank 25th in penalty kill percentage (75.6%).

Hradek also questioned if Pastrnak would stay if the Bruins rebuild:

"Do you think David Pastrnak wants to stick around and rebuild with a bunch of 20-year-olds? No. The reason they’re where they are is because Pastrnak is playing so well. He’s been absolutely dynamite—red hot."

Pastrnak signed an eight-year, $90 million contract in March 2023. He leads the team with 23 goals, 33 assists and 56 points this season.

Insider Bryan Hayes criticized Brad Marchand for his actions on Thursday

Boston Bruins winger Brad Marchand grabbed Ottawa Senators forward Nick Cousins by the throat during Boston’s 2-0 win on Thursday. Marchand removed his glove and placed his hand on Cousins’ neck before grabbing his jersey and a linesman stopping the altercation.

On Friday, TSN analyst Bryan Hayes criticized the NHL for not punishing Marchand.

"They got this wrong, and I think it's absurd," Hayes said, "Taking your glove off and grabbing someone by the throat—it's absolutely absurd ... I think it's worthy of a suspension, even if it's just one game for stupidity."

Marchand has a history of controversial actions, including licking opponents in 2018.

Hayes believes suspending Brad Marchand, even for one game, would discourage similar actions in the future. However, so far, the NHL has not announced any punishment.