Brad Marchand's stunning trade from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers came together after management was unwilling to compromise in extension negotiations, Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reports.
Marchand and the front office agreed on a three-year term but were far apart in average annual value, according to Friedman. Marchand, an unrestricted free agent this summer, reportedly requested a face-to-face meeting with Bruins management this week and made it clear he was willing to adjust his demands, but the front office didn't budge.
After the failed talks, Marchand reportedly made it known Florida was his preferred destination. The Panthers acquired the 16-year Bruin for a conditional second-round pick that can upgrade to a first-rounder based on Marchand's games played in this year's playoffs.
Marchand said prior to the deadline he wanted to retire with the Bruins and wasn't interested in a trade as he believed Boston was capable of making a run. The Bruins are two points back of a wild-card spot in the Eastern Conference and haven't missed the postseason since 2015-16.
The Bruins also moved out Charlie Coyle, Brandon Carlo, and Trent Frederic before the deadline.
The defending champion Panthers pace the Atlantic Division with 83 points. Florida eliminated Boston in the past two playoffs, including one of the biggest upsets in league history after the Bruins set an NHL record with 135 points in the regular season.
Marchand is currently week-to-week with an upper-body injury, and it's unclear when he'll make his Panthers debut. The 36-year-old has notched 47 points in 61 games this season.
