Bruins trade franchise legend Brad Marchand to Panthers: reports

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Boston Bruins have shocked the hockey world, reportedly trading franchise legend Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers before the NHL trade deadline Friday. 

Marchand had trade rumors swirling around him considering he's a pending free agent, but it was always expected that, after 16 years, he and the Bruins would reach an agreement on his short-term future. 

But the Bruins decided to move him to one of their bitter rivals over the past few seasons. ESPN's Emily Kaplan reported the deal will be done pending a trade call.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Boston Bruins left wing Brad Marchand skates with the puck against the Pittsburgh Penguins during the first period at PPG Paints Arena. (Charles LeClaire/Imagn Images)

"Think everyone is stunned," Kaplan said in her report, adding Marchand is rehabbing an injury in Boston. 

It’s unknown what the Bruins received from the Panthers for Marchand.

DUCKS' GOALIE JOHN GIBSON GOES BEHIND THE BACK FOR INSANE SAVE OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE

Marchand, a third-round pick by the Bruins in 2010, helped the organization win the Stanley Cup in his second season.  

Since then, Marchand has been a left-wing mainstay with four All-Star bids over his 16 years with the team. 

With Patrice Bergeron retired, Marchand had been wearing the "C" on his sweater as team captain.

Brad Marchand of the Boston Bruins skates in warmups before a game against the Nashville Predators at Bridgestone Arena Feb. 16, 2023, in Nashville. (Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)

Marchand has an upper-body injury after leaving during the first period of the Bruins’ matchup with the Pittsburgh Penguins March 1. He was