The uncomfortable reality of Marchand and Boston being separate entities was inevitable after the team fell short a couple of years ago.

For the first time in more than a decade, the Bruins and general manager Don Sweeney are ready to prioritize the future over short-term gains — with Boston poised to sell ahead of Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

The Brad Marchand Era in Boston has come to a close. The longtime Bruins forward was sent to the Panthers in a trade deadline stunner that officially signaled Boston’s commitment to a rebuild — and helps the Panthers replace Matthew Tkachuk.