Bruins' Star Finally a Full Participant in Training Camp

Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand made a significant return to full practice with the team after an offseason marked by three separate surgeries.

The team’s forward, who had procedures on his elbow, groin and abdomen, participated fully on Wednesday, a crucial step towards being ready for the 2024–25 season, for the first time since the start of Boston's camp.

Speaking to Eric Russo of NHL.com after practice, Marchand expressed relief about getting back into the mix after the struggles he experienced last season and a summer full of operations.

“It feels good to be out there without a noncontact jersey and be part of full practice,” Marchand said. "Hopefully as things progress here, get into a couple games by the end of camp and be ready for the season.”

Marchand, already 36 years old, has been vocal about his challenging recovery process, but he remains optimistic in not missing a beat once the puck drops for the start of the regular-season next October.

“Getting that back is a little bit off right now but every day I feel conditioning is catching up and is there," Marchand said. "I don’t feel out of place in that. Something I can still continue to work on but I’m happy with where I’m at."

The Bruins’ captain also acknowledged that while his fitness is improving, adjusting to the pace of the game will take time.

“The fitness level feels fine," Marchand said. "It’s more the pace of bodies coming at you and timing, making plays under pressure."

Marchand played through multiple injuries last season but still managed to score 29 goals and 67 total points appearing in all 82 regular-season games.

Reflecting on his decision to undergo multiple surgeries this summer, Marchand revealed that he fixed his arm last summer, but he still "was kind of playing with it throughout the year."

He just couldn't cope with it anymore and decided to go under the knife for good, once and for all, during the past offseason.

"I decided if it continued to aggravate me in the summer that I would get it done,” Marchand said.

With Marchand entering his 16th season and the final year of his eight-year, $49 million contract , all eyes are on his recovery and whether or not he ends up signing a contract extension with the Bruins.

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