Marchand preparing for Bruins training camp following 3 surgeries
Marchand preparing for Bruins training camp following 3 surgeries
Boston captain is gradually returning after undergoing elbow and sports hernia repairs.
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BOSTON — Brad Marchand had three surgeries this offseason and is hoping to be ready for the start of training camp, the Boston Bruins captain revealed Tuesday.
“Until about two weeks ago, I hadn’t done much training,” Marchand stated following the Bruins’ captains practice. “I’m just beginning to get back into the swing of things… My goal is to be prepared for camp or, if not, very soon afterwards. But for now, I’m just gradually getting back on track. I’m ready to face everything head-on.”
Marchand underwent surgery for a torn tendon in his elbow, a sports hernia in his groin, and another sports hernia in his abdominal area.
Marchand explained that his arm injury occurred last summer, and he was dealing with it throughout the year. He made the decision that if the irritation persisted into the summer, he would seek treatment. He also mentioned two other injuries that arose a month before the season ended. These continued to bother him into the summer, leading him to resolve to have them treated.
The 36-year-old forward had 67 points (29 goals, 38 assists) in 82 games in the regular season after replacing the retired Patrice Bergeron as Bruins captain. He had 10 points (three goals, seven assists) in 11 games in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, where Boston lost to the eventual champion Florida Panthers in six games in the Eastern Conference Second Round.
The Bruins open training camp Sept. 18.
“Much work needs to be done,” declared Marchand. “The past summer was unusual compared to what I’m accustomed to, and it might take up to the season or even a bit into the season to adjust. However, I’ll approach the upcoming two months as though they were summer, and continue with my usual routine of training and skating from this point forward.”
Probably, the most critical aspect is restoring my conditioning to its previous level, which I believe is the primary concern. My strength is relatively intact. However, I think I need to concentrate on power and conditioning to return to my desired state.
In terms of readiness, where is he now?
“Since I’m just starting, I’m at the bottom,” said Marchand.
Marchand is heading into the last year of his eight-year contract, valued at $49 million ($6.125 million average yearly worth), which he signed on September 26, 2016. He has spent all of his 15-year career with the Bruins, having been picked in the third round (No. 71) of the 2006 NHL Draft.
When questioned about the progress on a new deal, Marchand chose not to publicly discuss any potential negotiations.
Marchand has previously expressed his desire to continue playing until he is at least 40 years old.
Marchand stated, “I’m going to address this once and not revisit it, but I will never discuss contract matters in the press. I saw a report in the Hockey News recently and I’m unsure about their source, it certainly wasn’t from us. We’re not going to comment on it.”
The matters at hand will remain confidential between our team and General Manager Don Sweeney. I won’t elaborate further. I believe there is sufficient mutual respect to handle the situation. Let’s leave it at that.