As Brad Marchand navigates his final season under contract with the Boston Bruins, speculation is mounting over the future of the franchise's long-time star and current captain.
Before the start of the season, Marchand left the door open for his potential exit from the franchise.
At the end of October, Marchand denied Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman's reporting that the forward has an agreement in place for a three-year extension, labeling that information as "false."
On Oct. 29, NHL insider Frank Seravalli shared his thoughts on the situation and revealed that, in his eyes, this saga only has one possible outcome.
Seravalli only sees one possible scenario and one that will keep both Marchand and the Bruins tied until the former decides to retire.
Discussing the situation on NHL Network Radio, via Jonny Lazarus, Seravalli dismissed any notion that Marchand would depart as he approaches unrestricted free agency, describing him as "a heart and soul Bruin."
"I don't see a scenario where he's anywhere but Boston," Seravalli said
The insider emphasized the evolution Marchand has undergone over his 16-year career, transforming from a promising young player into the undisputed leader of the Bruins and ultimately the captain of the franchise starting this season.
"The way that he's grown and matured into that role as leader of that team has been incredibly impressive," Seravalli said.
He also noted Marchand's significant offseason recovery effort after three different surgeries made it challenging for him to be ready at the start of the season.
Seravalli compared Marchand's situation to that of Steven Stamkos. The veteran, who had only played for the Tampa Bay Lightning since entering the league, decided to move on and sign with the Nashville Predators.
"[Stamkos] saw what was available and said, ‘No, I want to be here,'" Seravalli recalled of Stamkos' choice to stay with the Lightning the first time he got to free agency.
That wasn't the case last summer. "This time around, I thought they'd show him and extend him that same loyalty, and they didn't," Seravalli said, hinting at what could happen in Boston.
