Brad Marchand’s penchant for unconventional behavior on the ice, particularly his habit of licking his opponents’ faces, once prompted the NHL to issue a stern warning. The league’s executive vice president and director of hockey operations, Colin Campbell, took it upon himself to raise the issue directly with Marchand and Boston Bruins general manager Don Sweeney in May 2018.
During that conversation, Campbell made it clear to Marchand that his actions were deemed unacceptable by the NHL. He also warned the player that any similar behavior in the future would result in additional disciplinary action.
Marchand is a Canadian professional ice hockey left winger and is currently captain of the Boston Bruins in the NHL. He was originally selected by the Bruins in the third round, 71st overall, in the 2006 NHL Entry Draft.
Marchand’s unorthodox actions, which included licking his opponents’ faces, attracted significant attention and criticism. Here is a brief timeline of some notable incidents:
April 24, 2014 – Marchand potentially gave teammate Jarome Iginla a congratulatory kiss.
March 7, 2015 – Marchand hugs Max Talbot after scoring the winning goal.
February 20, 2016 – Marchand attempted to kiss Patrick Eaves of Dallas.
November 11, 2017 – Marchand kisses Léo Komarov.
April 12, 2018 – Marchand licked Komarov, sparking controversy.
April 27 – The NHL denied reports that the league asked Marchand to stop licking opponents.
May 4 – Licked merchant Tampa BayIt’s Ryan Callahan during a game.
These incidents made headlines and sparked debate within the hockey community, leading to NHL to act by sending a warning to Brad Marchand.
Brad Marchand becomes Patrice Bergeron’s successor
On September 20, the Boston Bruins officially named Brad Marchand as the 27th captain in franchise history. Marchand, who spent his entire 15-year NHL career with the Bruins, is originally from Halifax, Nova Scotia. He has an impressive track record with the team, ranking among the franchise’s all-time leaders in various categories. This includes being eighth in games played (947), fourth in game-winning goals (71), sixth in goals (372), ninth in assists (490) and seventh in total points (862).
Brad Marchand’s playoff performance is equally notable, as he ranks fifth in playoff games played (146), second in playoff goals (53), fourth in playoff assists ( 75) and second in playoff points (128) in Bruins history. Among active NHL players, he ranks first in plus-minus (plus-290), seventh in game-winning goals, 10th in goals, 18th in assists and 12th in total points.
Additionally, Marchand ranks 11th among active players in playoff games played and sixth in playoff goals and points. This appointment as captain marks an important milestone in his illustrious career with the Boston Bruins.
