In a surprising move, the Boston Bruins have named Brad Marchand as the 27th captain in franchise history ahead of the 2023-24 season. Marchand, known for his tenacity and competitive nature, has spent his entire 15-year career with the Bruins. This announcement comes after the retirement of long-time captain Patrice Bergeron, who also spent his entire career with the club.
A Proven Leader
Marchand, 35, has proven himself as a leader on and off the ice. Last season, he finished second in scoring for the Bruins with 67 points in 73 games. As an alternate captain for the past five seasons, Marchand had been widely considered a top candidate for the captaincy. Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs praised Marchand’s growth as a hockey player and emphasized his readiness for this new role.
Marchand’s appointment as captain follows in the footsteps of Bruins legends Zdeno Chara and Patrice Bergeron. Chara, who captained the team to a Stanley Cup victory in 2011, left the club in the 2019-20 season after 14 seasons as captain. Bergeron, an alternate captain for over a decade, took on the captaincy in the 2021-22 season. Marchand had the opportunity to learn from both Chara and Bergeron, two respected leaders in the organization.
A Symbolic Moment
The Bruins released a video on social media to announce Marchand as captain. The video shows a pair of hands stitching the captain’s ‘C’ onto the team’s home sweater in honor of its 100th anniversary. The camera then zooms in on Marchand’s face as he puts on the sweater, revealing the ‘C’ prominently displayed. The clip ends with Marchand flashing a grin, symbolizing his excitement and pride in being named captain.
Marchand joins a growing list of players who have recently been named captains for the upcoming season. The St. Louis Blues named Brayden Schenn, the Vancouver Canucks named Quinn Hughes, and the Winnipeg Jets named Adam Lowry as their respective captains. However, there are still six teams, including the Anaheim Ducks, Arizona Coyotes, Calgary Flames, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken, that have yet to name a captain.
A Year of Transition for the Blackhawks
The Chicago Blackhawks, in particular, have opted not to name a captain for the current season. This decision comes after the departure of Jonathan Toews, who served as captain for nearly 15 years. Blackhawks general manager Kyle Davidson explained that they want to give themselves time to adjust and not place undue pressure on a new captain following a period of such greatness.
As Brad Marchand takes on the role of captain, the Boston Bruins are entering a new era. With his fiery spirit and competitive drive, Marchand is poised to lead the team with heart and grit. The Bruins organization and fans alike have high hopes for his leadership and believe he will represent the team with honor and dedication. Marchand’s appointment marks the beginning of an exciting chapter in the storied history of the Boston Bruins.
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