Brad Marchand's future with the Boston Bruins may be in jeopardy after fight with Jim Montgomery
Tensions boiled over between Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand and head coach Jim Montgomery, fueling rumors of his departure from the team.
In the third period of the game between the Boston Bruins and the Utah Hockey Club, team captain Marchand caused a turnover, leading to a big chance for the opposing team, leading head coach Montgomery to take him out of the game. As he was heading out, the coach was visibly frustrated with the player, yelling and giving him a slight shove on his way out. Despite holding the lead for most of the game, the Bruins ended up losing 2-1, thanks to goals from Vladislav Kolyachonok and Michael Kesselring, each coming in the third quarter as well.
Marchand, who recently called out former teammate AJ Greer for dirty play has come out and defended his coach, telling the media:
However, despite Marchand's maturity and acceptance of the situation, one can't help but think about the wingers' upcoming free agency, as his eight-year contract expires at the end of this season. At this time, neither side has agreed to a contract extension. At 36 years old, some people are wondering if this situation, as well as his current non-commitment to the Bruins, who had some controversy with goalkeeper Jeremy Swayman as well, benching him in favor of Joonas Korpisalo on opening night, will lead to his looking for a new challenge elsewhere.
Time will tell if the Boston Bruins captain stays with his squad, or ends his tenure as a Bruin for good.
