David Pastrnak’s surprising message to Brad Marchand

Just before the opening of free agency earlier last month, Brad Marchand signed a six-year, $31.5 million contract extension with the Florida Panthers, keeping him with the team that helped him capture his second Stanley Cup championship. The move ended any hope that he might return to the Boston Bruins, who had traded him south at the March deadline.

Marchand’s first trip back to TD Garden is set for October 21st, when the Panthers face off against the Bruins. It will be his first time wearing a Panthers jersey on Boston ice, a sight that may stir mixed emotions among fans. After all, it was a tough breakup between Marchand and the Bruins, and while some supporters may view him as a traitor, his contributions to the franchise can’t be erased. His years in black and gold brought grit, personality, and a championship to Boston in 2011.

David Pastrnak, who shared much of his NHL career alongside Marchand, expressed both pride and competitive fire when asked about his former teammate when he spoke with Hokej.cz’s Dominik Dubovči. And he seemed to send a unique message to his former teammate, and close friend:

“Of course, I wrote him congratulations on the Cup. We played a big part of our careers together and our wives are also great friends. The bond is there, so of course it was difficult to see him leave. I’m not happy about the Stanley Cup for Florida, but I am happy for Marchand. Then when he signed a big contract, I kind of let him know that I would make the first game against us a little difficult for him. I am looking forward to it. We always had tough battles together, even in practise.”

Pastrnak’s comments capture the unique mix of friendship and rivalry that defines hockey relationships. Off the ice, there’s mutual respect and shared history; on the ice, there’s no holding back. That October 21 matchup will be more than just another regular-season game. It will be a clash of past and present, with old bonds meeting new allegiances.

When Marchand steps onto TD Garden ice in Panthers colours, boos may rain down, but it’s worth remembering what he brought to Boston. Whether you cheer or jeer, it will be a night to remember.

And we cannot wait to see who comes out on top, Pastrnak or Marchand.