19 years ago today, in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins selected Brad Marchand. What followed was a career that would..

Nineteen years ago today, in the third round of the 2006 NHL Entry Draft, the Boston Bruins made a decision that would change the course of their franchise—and eventually, that of the Florida Panthers. With the 71st overall pick, they selected a gritty, undersized forward from Hammonds Plains, Nova Scotia: Brad Marchand. What followed was not just a stellar career, but a hockey saga that continues to unfold with passion, controversy, and championship glory.

 

 

 

Marchand didn’t take long to make his mark in the NHL. Known early on as an agitator with a knack for getting under opponents’ skin, he evolved into one of the most complete players of his generation. His blend of speed, tenacity, elite puck skills, and scoring touch turned him into a perennial threat—both as a top-line winger and a clutch performer when it mattered most.

 

 

 

In Boston, Marchand became a fan favorite. His chemistry with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak powered the Bruins’ offense for years. He was a crucial part of the 2011 Stanley Cup run, helping end the team’s 39-year title drought. Over the course of 16 NHL seasons, his contributions were relentless and consistent: 424 goals, 556 assists, and 1,100 games played—numbers that cement his place among the league’s all-time greats.

 

 

 

Yet, perhaps the most poetic chapter of his career came in the 2024-25 season, when Marchand hoisted the Stanley Cup for the second time—this time, not in Boston, but with the Florida Panthers. His arrival in Florida was met with skepticism by some, but he quickly won over the fan base, proving that his edge, leadership, and playoff experience were just what the team needed. Marchand delivered once again, not just with his statistics, but with the intangible spark he brings every time he steps on the ice.

 

 

 

Now, as Marchand approaches free agency, rumors swirl. Will he return to Florida to “run it back” with the defending champions? Or will he chase one more chapter elsewhere before calling it a career? Wherever he lands, one thing is clear: Marchand’s legacy is already secure.

 

 

 

He is the type of player you hate playing against but love when he’s on your bench. His passion is infectious, his competitiveness unmatched, and his story—still unfolding—is one of the most compelling in modern hockey history.

 

 

 

Brad Marchand isn’t just a hockey player. He’s a hockey icon.