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NHL analyst foresees 'bounce back season' for Brad Marchand despite undergoing three surgeries
Brad Marchand, the 36-year-old Boston Bruins captain, is preparing for his 16th NHL season after three offseason surgeries. On September 8th's NHL Tonight broadcast, analyst Mike Johnson discussed Marchand's health for the upcoming season with host Jamison Coyle.
Johnson believes Marchand can bounce back despite his age.
"At 36, is it hard to start to play catch up at this 11th hour of the season? Absolutely, the further you get in your career, whether you're 29 or 36 or whatever it might be, it takes a little longer to heal, to recover, to get in shape, and to find your best game than it did when you were 24. That's just the reality of sports and the age curve we all deal with."
On Tuesday, Boston's captain revealed he had three offseason surgeries. He repaired a torn elbow tendon and had his injured groin and sports hernia treated.
Johnson explained recovery takes longer as players age. Last season, Marchand struggled with injuries and missed several games. However, Johnson said Marchand is still a talented player who can regain form when healthy.
"But I will say this, Brad Marchand is still a very good player, and he had a down year offensively last year. He went through a prolonged goal drought towards the end of the season, but that's going to happen when you have a bad elbow the entire season, and then you're dealing with the groin hernia stuff as well. He could be in line, once he gets right, to have a real bounce-back season."
Brad Marchand talks about his preparation for the upcoming season
Brad Marchand knows older players need to prove themselves each year. He said younger players always push for spots, so he approaches each season with a competitive mindset.
“I’m just kind of getting back into it. I don’t know if you guys heard, but I was skating by myself. The goal is to be ready for camp and if not, very shortly after. I’m just kind of getting back into the swing of things now. I’m gonna hit it all head-on.”
Despite injuries, Marchand managed 67 points in 82 games last season. Now healthy, he's focused on performing well in his contract year.
Brad Marchand said his contract talks will remain private, but he is determined to show he can still compete at a high level.
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