Marchand was initially expected to be back by late-November but it sounds like he will play in the next week or two, putting him way ahead of schedule. Marchand, who had 80 points (32G / 48A) in 70 games last season, is expected to skate on a line with Patrice Bergeron and Jake DeBrusk and on PP1 when he's healthy.
Marchand took part in practice for the first time on Sunday, which was a great sign that he could be available ahead of schedule in recovery. He's still not close to returning to game action, but he may miss the minimum amount of time on LTIR (10 games or 24 days).
Marchand had surgery on both hips in May with an expected recovery timeline of approximately six months. That would put Marchand on track to return around American Thanksgiving. Expect the Bruins to roll with a top line of Taylor Hall, David Krejci and David Pastrnak while Marchand is out. He should miss roughly 20-to-25 games.
The Bruins went 3-2-1 in the six games without Marchand, averaging just 2.0 goals per game. Marchand will return to the Bruins' top line with Patrice Bergeron at centre and Jake DeBrusk on the other wing.
Marchand will be out until February 24th in Seattle and this suspension will leave the Bruins without Marchand and Patrice Bergeron on Thursday. Bergeron is dealing with an upper-body injury that he suffered on Tuesday. Jake DeBrusk will move up to the top-6 tomorrow with Marchand out.
Marchand was not originally expected to be available on Saturday after suffering an upper-body injury on Thursday. However, he is expected to test his injury in warmups and is a game-time decision vs. the Jets.
Marchand appeared to suffer a shoulder injury on a hit from Garnet Hathaway and he will miss at least Saturday's game vs. the Jets. Jake DeBrusk, who replaced him on the top line midway through the game, will start on that line tomorrow.
Marchand was suspended for three games for slew-footing Oliver Ekman-Larsson on November 28th but is set to return to the lineup tonight in Vancouver. Marchand will be back on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak and comes in with 24 points (9G / 15A) in 18 games.
Marchand will not play Tuesday, Thursday or Saturday before being eligible to play next Wednesday in Vancouver. Erik Haula or Jake DeBrusk will draw into the lineup to replace Marchand on Tuesday.
Marchand is one of 16 regulars who will not be in the Bruins lineup on Tuesday. The Bruins will need to recall multiple players from their taxi squad/AHL to fill out their lineup. Zach Senyshyn is one of the players that is expected to draw in and replace Marchand on the wing.
Marchand missed the last two games while in COVID-19 protocol but will play Tuesday. Marchand said it was a false-positive test, so he'll be back on a line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak vs. New Jersey.
Marchand was questionable after missing Friday's practice but head coach Bruce Cassidy says he expects him to play vs. the Rangers. Marchand is hot right now, scoring three goals with eight assists (11 points) in his last seven games.
Marchand missed Friday's practice and his status for Saturday's matinee vs. New York is unclear. If Marchand can't play, look for Nick Ritchie to replace him on the top line with Patrice Bergeron and David Pastrnak.
There was initial concern that Marchand may miss the start of the regular season but he participated throughout training camp and head coach Bruce Cassidy expects him to be available on Thursday. With David Pastrnak out for the start of the year, Marchand will need to get off to a hot start for the Bruins to have success.
