The Boston Bruins are entering the 4 Nations Face-Off break on the outside of the Eastern Conference playoff picture. That placement in the standings has created some intrigue as to what they are going to do before the NHL trade deadline on March 7.

Will they sell? Will they buy? Will they do nothing at all and just play out the season and hope for the best?

Given the way the Bruins have played this season and how far below the top-tier contenders they seem to be, it would probably make the most sense for them to sell. That has put team captain Brad Marchand, a pending unrestricted free agent after this season, on the trade rumor mill.

Marchand addressed that speculation on Tuesday during an appearance on the “What Chaos” podcast, and he was dismissive of the idea of a trade actually happening.

He also added that he wants to spend his entire career in Boston.

“My goal is to play here forever,” he said. “I love it here, and my family obviously loves it here. And what I love most about it is that the expectations that are put on the group by — internally, just from management, ownership, from the team within — like the expectation to be good every year is what you want to be part of.”

The 36-year-old Marchand has spent his entire career with Boston and been a core member of the team for the past 15 years. He played a major role in their 2011 Stanley Cup championship, while also helping the Bruins reach the Stanley Cup Final in 2013 and 2019. He has been a top-line scorer, an outstanding two-way player with a strong defensive game and is also one of the most agitating players in the league to go against.

He is the type of player every team hates to play against but loves to have on their side.

As such, he would be such an intriguing trade chip over the next month. If the Bruins decided to move him and try to collect some future draft assets or young players, they could probably do well for themselves. Every contender in the league would be lining up to add him for a playoff run.

As much as Marchand doesn’t want to think about it, and as difficult as it might be for the Bruins to move him, it is something they should at least consider. There would also be nothing stopping them from trying to bring him back this offseason as a free agent.

The bottom line is the Bruins are far from being a contender and they need more draft picks and prospects in the organization — if for no other reason than to use them as trade assets to fill other areas of need. Marchand could help them accomplish that.

His commitment to the team comes at a critical time. The Bruins have been among the league’s top contenders in recent years, but questions remain about their long-term future. The retirements of Patrice Bergeron and David Krejčí left a significant void down the middle, and while the team has managed to remain competitive, some analysts believe a major shakeup is necessary to maintain their status as Cup contenders. That’s why trade rumors have persisted, with some suggesting that the Bruins might be willing to move a key player in exchange for assets that address their depth concerns.

But even in the face of uncertainty, this Bruins star remains unfazed. His leadership, experience, and presence in the locker room have been crucial to the team’s identity, and his confidence in the organization speaks volumes about the trust between the players and management. “I have conversations with the front office, and we’re all on the same page,” he said. “I don’t focus on things I can’t control. My job is to play my best hockey, and that’s all that matters.”

This unwavering stance has only further endeared him to the fanbase. Bruins supporters, known for their passionate loyalty, have always admired players who embrace the city and the franchise. Boston isn’t just another hockey town—it’s a place that expects grit, heart, and dedication from its athletes. The fact that this star is willing to commit to the Bruins, even amid the uncertainty of the trade deadline, is a testament to his character and his connection with the team’s legacy.

While trade rumors will always be a part of professional sports, the player’s firm declaration adds an interesting dynamic to the conversation. If the Bruins were ever considering moving him, they now face an added layer of complexity. Trading a player against their will—especially one who has made such a public statement—could risk alienating fans and disrupting team chemistry. But given his importance to the team’s success, it’s highly unlikely that Boston’s management would entertain such a move unless absolutely necessary.

It’s also worth noting that his loyalty to the Bruins isn’t just about personal preference—it’s about belief in the team’s future. Despite facing challenges, he remains convinced that Boston is still a championship-caliber team. “Every year, we go out there with one goal: to win the Stanley Cup,” he said. “We’ve got an incredible group of guys, and I believe in what we’re building here. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”