During the game between Calgary and Boston, Flames' Martin Pospisil made a nasty check to the head of notoriously dirty player Brad Marchand. As a result, he received a five-minute major and game misconduct. However, today it was announced that instead of facing discipline from his team, he was signed on to a multi-million dollar contract.
Though not unusual for aggressive players to be offered contracts, it is unusual to get one immediately after such an egregious play. It begs answers to questions about the true motivations of this deal.
It is no secret that Marchand is a widely hated player, having a history of dirty plays and an aggressive attitude. Yet, it is clear that he is losing this nature, as he lost the most hated player's title and his nickname "The Rat" to Nick Cousins from the Florida Panthers. Now, to see the player who took him down get applauded by the public and awarded with an extension has got to have a lasting impact on his season.
The Bruins have lost ground as second overall after the game. With all the league and NHL fans against him and his best years behind him, it is a wonder if Marchand can be of much help in bringing his team to victory come playoff season.
POLL | ||
FÉVRIER 8 | 81 ANSWERS Calgary Flames Reward The Player Who Trucked Brad Marchand With A Multi-Million Dollar Contract Will Martin Pospisil still face suspension despite this deal? | ||
Yes | 48 | 59.3 % |
No | 33 | 40.7 % |
LIST OF POLLS |
G | A | PTS | ||
Zachary Werenski | 2 | 3 | 5 | |
Sean Monahan | 1 | 3 | 4 | |
Jesper Bratt | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Frederick Gaudreau | 2 | 1 | 3 | |
Jack Hughes | - | 3 | 3 | |
Nikita Kucherov | - | 3 | 3 | |
Mackenzie Weegar | - | 3 | 3 | |
Kent Johnson | 2 | - | 2 | |
Alexander Wennberg | 2 | - | 2 | |
Mitchell Chaffee | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Anthony Cirelli | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Matthew Coronato | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Marcus Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Nick Foligno | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Conor Geekie | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Brandon Hagel | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Stefan Noesen | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Corey Perry | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Igor Sharangovich | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Dmitry Voronkov | 1 | 1 | 2 | |
Complete stats |
STANDINGS 2024-2025 | ||||||
TOP 10 | GP | W | L | OL | PTS | |
Jets | 19 | 16 | 3 | - | 32 | |
Hurricanes | 18 | 14 | 4 | - | 28 | |
Capitals | 18 | 13 | 4 | 1 | 27 | |
Wild | 18 | 12 | 3 | 3 | 27 | |
Maple Leafs | 20 | 12 | 6 | 2 | 26 | |
Devils | 21 | 12 | 7 | 2 | 26 | |
Rangers | 17 | 12 | 4 | 1 | 25 | |
Panthers | 19 | 12 | 6 | 1 | 25 | |
Stars | 18 | 12 | 6 | - | 24 | |
Golden Knights | 19 | 11 | 6 | 2 | 24 | |
Conference | Cumulative |