But in his first presser as a Panther, he showed no bitterness to Sweeney or the Bruins. In fact, it was quite the opposite reaction in a moment that was equal parts emotion and pragmatism. He also lavished praise on Sweeney, who has been taking plenty of heat here for trading a player whose No. 63 will be raised to the Garden rafters some day.

Bruins CEO Charlie Jacobs seemed to put aside any notion that president Cam Neely's and general manager Don Sweeney's jobs are in jeopardy.

Marchand met with general manager Don Sweeney before the trade deadline, offering to compromise, but the Bruins did not adjust their offer, according to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, ultimately making a "really, really difficult" decision, per Sweeney.