A third-round pick (No. 71) at the 2006 NHL Draft, he is fourth in Bruins history in games played (1,090) and fifth in points (976; 422 goals, 554 assists).
Marchand can become an unrestricted free agent July 1. He said the decision to accept a move elsewhere after being unable to agree on a new contract with Boston, was not easy.
The Bruins (29-28-8) trail the Ottawa Senators by three points for the second wild card in the Eastern Conference. The Panthers (40-21-3) are first in the Atlantic Division after winning the Cup last season.
“It is very tough when you have to deal with the business side of things,” Marchand said. “You know, I have had an incredible run in that organization, and I am extremely proud of how things went there. It was disappointing things didn’t get done, just because I love the organization and wanted to stay there. But I know this is a business and every player has a shelf life.
“If we were in the playoffs at [the Trade Deadline], we would probably be having a different conversation, and I know that.”
Marchand met with the Panthers’ medical staff Sunday and said he hoped to resume skating Tuesday.
That, of course, would be in Boston.
“I am feeling better, getting better every day is how I would describe it,” Marchand said. “We’re going to do more with the team today, since we didn’t get to do much yesterday with it being a day off. The biggest thing when you’re not on the ice is to spend more time off the ice and get to know each other.
“I am hoping, if things go well today, I might be able to jump on the ice tomorrow. We haven’t gotten that far yet. We are going to try a couple things today that I have not been able to do and go from there.”
Marchand was teammates with Florida forwards Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart for Canada last month at the 4 Nations Face-Off where, he said, the three got along famously. They played against Panthers forward Matthew Tkachuk, who represented the United States.
Florida has eliminated Boston from the playoffs in each of the past two seasons.
“Thanks for reminding me,” Marchand said, at times having to correct himself when he referred to the Bruins as “we.”
Bennett had a controversial hit on Marchand in Game 3 of the second round last season that kept Marchand out until Game 6. He drew laughs Monday when he referred to his new teammate as “a scumbag.”
Marchand made it clear he was joking.
“Those guys are incredible players and have created a niche that has allowed them to have an incredible amount of success in this league,” Marchand said. “What I love about it is they play the right way. They play the kind of game not for the regular season, but they are built for the playoffs.
“They are built to win, play a winning style. … So, I don’t think I have to change anything. I can’t change anything.”