I posted this in the trade thread main board.
While it may be true Marchand no longer has separation speed, his hockey IQ more than makes up for it on both sides of the puck. I'm not saying he doesn't at times take questionable penalties - most this year have been out of frustration. But, if you are looking for someone for your third, or occasionally second, line that knows what it takes to score and be successful and be an example of what type of work effort and commitment it takes at this level demonstrating how it is done for younger players on your team - Marchand is all heart. If this Boston team had any type of forward depth he would be phenomenal as a third line wing with powerplay and penalty killing skills.
Personally, I would hate to see him leave Boston, but If they can't agree on a reasonable contract management will have to do what is in the best interest of the franchise. Fans may not like that aspect, (I don't) but Boston can not take the chance that he walks with no return at the end of the year. As others have said, when the time comes, he can always sign a one day contract with Boston and retire a Boston Bruin, if he doesn't choose to return here before hand.
