We now know what Brad Marchand asked Bruins for in contract negotiations

Over a million a year apart and they couldn’t meet in the middle.

A new week, a new beginning for Brad Marchand.

The former Boston Bruins captain was, of course, traded to the Florida Panthers on Friday at the NHL trade deadline on Friday and yesterday he met with the media in Florida for the first time.

Today, he took his first few twirls around the ice in a Panthers sweater, in the all too familiar confines of TD Garden. That’s right, with the Panthers in Boston to take on the Bruins this evening, Marchand gets his first taste of action on what was once home ice.

Check it out:

How weird is that?

So… is Marchand playing tonight?

He doesn’t appear to be wearing a non-contact jersey leading to speculation that he’ll return to action this evening despite being ruled out as ‘week to week’ just a week ago.

So… what gives?

Unfortunately, head coach Paul Maurice confirmed that indeed Marchand is still out and will not play this evening.

In any case, Marchand made it clear yesterday that he’s happy for a new opportunity in Florida but he also spoke glowingly of the Bruins organization from top to bottom.

“I had an incredible run in that organization and I’m extremely proud,” said Marchand pausing after being overwhelmed by his emotions.

NHL on TNT and Spittin’ Chiclets host Paul Bissonnette reports that Marchand and the Bruins were just over $1 million annually apart in contract negotiations.

“The offer (from the Bruins) was exactly what he’s making now for three years. $6.3 (million) times three (years). And Marchand’s camp wanted $7.5 million. Marchand had a meeting with Don Sweeney and he said, ‘I love it here, I’ve been a Bruin my entire career and I’m willing to meet you guys in the middle.’ And they wouldn’t come up on their offer. I thought that that was insane. You wouldn’t give Brad Marchand the same amount that you gave Lindholm!?”

– Paul Bissonnette

If this is true, what are the Bruins doing?

“It was very disappointing that things didn’t get done,” admitted Marchand his voice cracking with pain. “Obviously I love the organization and I wanted to stay there.”

Marchand did however express his understanding of the situation.

“At the end of the day I know this is a business and every player has a shelf life and regardless if that’s when we want it to be or not, sometimes there are things out of our control that dictate situations.”

In a tremendous show of class, and yet another sign of the man Marchand has matured into, Marchand took the time to praise Bruins general manager Don Sweeney in spite of his obvious disappointment in the decisions he had made regarding the trade to Florida.

“The one thing I always respect is that they have a job to do and they have to make the best decisions for the team,” admitted Marchand. “Sometimes they work against you but that’s why I believe that Sweens is one of, if not, the best general manager in the league.”

Marchand would once again pause at this point, once again overcome by the emotions running through his mind and his body. When he had gathered himself he stated that he was not holding any ill will towards either the Bruins or his former teammates.

“It’s obviously not what you want to have happen but I don’t hold that against him or the group,” said Marchand his voice once again breaking with emotion.

It was an incredible scene in Florida and one that I highly recommend you witness yourself, and you can do so by watching Marchand’s response in the short video below: