SUNRISE, Fla. — Brad Marchand is ready for his Florida debut.
The Panthers have announced that Marchand, who hasn`t played for Florida since being traded from Boston three weeks ago due to an upper-body injury, will be in the lineup Friday night against the Utah Hockey Club.
This game marks the first time in 1,091 NHL games, or 1,248 including playoffs, that Marchand will wear a jersey other than a Bruins sweater. The plan is for the Halifax native to play on Florida`s second line with Sam Bennett and Mackie Samoskevich, who grew up in New England watching Marchand play for the Bruins.
“It’s been a lot of fun,” Samoskevich said about playing with Marchand. “He’s such a good player. So skilled. It feels like when he has the puck, he sees everything. It’s a lot of fun and I’m excited for the future with him. He’s also a great guy off the ice.”
Marchand recorded 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games with the Bruins this season. Panthers coach Paul Maurice stated that Marchand`s acquisition aims to bolster Florida`s playoff run and their pursuit of a second consecutive Stanley Cup.
“He’s had an incredible career,” Maurice commented. `Stanley Cup champion, 1,000 games, 1,000 penalty minutes, lots of points. His tenacity, physicality, and work ethic are well-known. But in practice, you realize his exceptional skill level.”
While it might have seemed unusual initially to see the former Bruins captain in Panthers colors, especially after their intense playoff series in 2023 and 2024, Marchand has reportedly integrated seamlessly into the Florida team.
“He brings a lot of energy to the locker room and intense competition on the ice,” Panthers defenseman Gus Forsling noted. “He’s a significant veteran who will be crucial for us.”
Tristan Blackwood