Brad Marchand is real.

There’s been some trash talk going on as they enter the NHL 4 Nations showdown championship game between the US and Canada. After all, it’s the US, the “Great White North,” and this rivalry should give us a pre-match spark!

But there are also some love courtesy of the left wing of Canada and the Boston Bruins Blood Merchand Towards Team USA. (Related: Ticket prices for the four countries showdown championship game are expensive – very, very expensive – yet I still want one)

Speaking to the media on Wednesday, the Bruins captain praised the US and even said, “They’re the best I’ve played.”

“They’re the best I’ve played,” Merchant said. Sports Net. “I’m not rude to previous teams, but in the way the games have evolved over the past decade, some of the players on the team will be some of the best players to play hockey games ever.”

Brad Marchand says he’s not rude to the other US teams he’s played, but about this. #4nations USA team, “They’re far the best I’ve played… They have the best players to play the game so far.” pic.twitter.com/1zgb5ht0e8

– Clahanna (@clahanna) February 19, 2025

The stab wound, Brandon Hagel, was able to learn a lot from Merchand…

Brandon Hagel’s flag is everything #4nations pic.twitter.com/ggua8uuepl

– sportsnet (@sportsnet) February 18, 2025

But as an American, I’m happy that Hagel moved his mouth in the end. Because it gives us a thoroughbred reason to not only win a four-country showdown, but to annihilate these Canadian losers.

I’m not rude about Brad Merchand, but business is business.