"We're not saying we believe in invisible onion chopping ninjas, but if we did, they were definitely on the Florida Panthers bench the other night. As the Boston Bruins played an emotional tribute video Brad Marchand couldn't hold back tears and let the water works flow. The Jumbotron read "welcome home" while completely ignoring the fact Marchand is now wearing a Florida Panthers jersey."
"Marchand's career trajectory reminds us of another player that was destined to be a forever Bruin. That player was Raymond Bourque (let us explain). Bourque seemed like he would forever be a Bruin before being traded to the Colorado Avalanche for one last chance at the cup before hanging up his skates when the unfortunate reality set in that the Bruins wouldn't be raising a banner. He would earn the cup in his final career game."
"It would seem premature for the Bruins to say Marchand's number will eventually be retired. That's what Houston Rockets owner/potential Houston NHL expansion team owner/current United States ambassador Tilman Fertitta once did. After the Rockets traded disgruntled superstar James Harden, Fertitta announced that the Rockets would retire his number whenever his playing career ends. That was over four years ago. Not only is Harden's career still ongoing, he's played for three different reams since."
Brad Marchand left the Boston Bruins and joined the Florida Panthers, drawing an emotional tribute and a "welcome home" message despite wearing a Panthers jersey. Marchand's legacy in Boston is secure, but retiring his number is complicated by his move and continued play. The situation recalls Raymond Bourque, who left to win a Stanley Cup with Colorado in his final game. Public promises about retiring numbers can be premature, as illustrated by Tilman Fertitta's declaration about James Harden. Marchand signed a long-term deal in Florida and has grown more popular across the league, with his future unresolved.
Read at Puck Prose
Unable to calculate read time
Collection
[
|
...
]