Brad Marchand is getting closer to playing his first game for the Florida Panthers.
Coach Paul Maurice indicated on Wednesday that the team is aiming for Marchand`s debut to be this Friday when they face Utah. This would be the first time the 36-year-old winger wears the Panthers` colors, according to Jameson Olive, the team`s senior digital content manager.
Maurice mentioned that Marchand will participate fully in Thursday`s practice, after which a final decision will be made regarding his participation in Friday`s game.
Marchand has been sidelined with an upper-body injury since March 4. The Panthers acquired him just before the NHL trade deadline, trading a conditional 2027 second-round draft pick to secure his services. This season, he has scored 21 goals and accumulated 47 points in 61 games played.
On Wednesday, Marchand practiced on Florida`s second line, alongside Tomas Nosek and Mackie Samoskevich.
The Florida Panthers are currently in a tight race for the top spot in the Atlantic Division, tied with the Toronto Maple Leafs with 89 points.
Tristan Blackwood