Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand returned to TD Garden on Tuesday night, suiting up against the Boston Bruins for the first time since being traded last season.
The 37-year-old forward helped the Panthers to a 4–3 victory with two assists, but the man himself and his reaction to the Bruins’ tribute drew more attention than the scoreboard.
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Marchand, who spent nearly 16 seasons with the Bruins and served as captain for more than a full season before his trade to Florida, was visibly emotional during a first-period tribute video and couldn’t contain the tears.
“As soon as I saw my kids on the screen, it kind of hit like a ton of bricks,” Marchand said. “The memories. The emotions of everything. The years and the incredible times. It just kind of comes pouring into your memory.”
Marchand stepped out of the Panthers’ bench to wave at the crowd during the tribute break, tapping his chest and trying to collect himself. The emotional tears, however, kept rolling down his face after he returned to the bench.
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Marchand’s time in Boston included 422 goals, 554 assists, 1,090 total points, and most importantly, a 2011 Stanley Cup championship.
The winger left the Bruins ranking top five in several franchise categories and was the last remaining player from the 2011 title team before being traded.
“I built something really special with every guy on this team last year, with winning,” Marchand said. “But I’ve been in Boston for 15 years. When you go from being a kid, with a dream… you build an entire life in a city, it’s just different.”
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Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal.Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
Marchand, however, acknowledged the timing was right for both sides to move on.
“It is absolutely an opportunity to turn the page for everybody,” Marchand said. “They’re onto new things. They’ve got to move on as well.”
The Panthers left Boston with a win, a 4-4-0 record, and a matchup against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Thursday, with puck drop set for 7 p.m. ET.
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Related: Panthers’ Brad Marchand Breaks Down During Emotional Return to Boston
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Oct 22, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.