Marchand not focused on Bruins' captaincy: 'We've always done it collectively'

Becoming captain of the Boston Bruins isn't on Brad Marchand's radar as he gears up for the 2023-24 campaign.

"It's not something that I really think about too much," he told reporters Tuesday. "Obviously, it's a big honor to be in the leadership group in this organization when you look at the guys that have been there before.

"We've always done it collectively as a group so regardless of who wears it, it's a collective thing. Even guys without letters step up a lot of times throughout the year."

Patrice Bergeron's retirement this offseason created Boston's vacancy. The six-time Selke Trophy winner took the "C" over from Zdeno Chara for the 2020-21 campaign.

Marchand, an unrestricted free agent in 2025, is seen as a logical candidate to succeed Bergeron as the Bruins' longest-tenured player. The 35-year-old is about to begin his 15th season with Boston and has been an alternate captain each of the past five campaigns.

David Pastrnak, Brandon Carlo, and David Krejci - who retired this summer as well - also wore an "A" for the Bruins last season. Boston hasn't played without a captain since the 2001-02 campaign, the year before Joe Thornton was named the club's leader.

Former Bruins coach Bruce Cassidy gave Marchand a vote of confidence in August after Bergeron retired, saying the winger has the qualities to be Boston's next captain.

Marchand was drafted 71st overall in 2006 and has suited up in 947 regular-season games with the club to go with 146 playoff appearances. He's amassed 862 career points and helped the Bruins win the Stanley Cup in 2011.