Florida Panthers defenseman Nate Schmidt shared his perspective on what it`s like playing alongside Brad Marchand, a player who was formerly a significant rival.
With a smile, Schmidt remarked that his feelings about Marchand were “a lot different” just three months ago when they were on opposing sides. Now, he describes Marchand as “great” and says he “really enjoy[s] him on this side of things.”
Marchand, acquired from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline in March, has built a career known for scoring goals and being a thorn in opponents` sides. Although the 37-year-old has somewhat moderated his feisty approach later in his career, he still has moments that stir things up.
Notably, Marchand and Schmidt had a confrontation earlier this season in Boston, involving Bruins star David Pastrnak. Schmidt, 33, jokingly stated on Friday morning, as the Panthers prepared for a potential series-clinching game against the Toronto Maple Leafs, that they “had to squash that” past issue.
Schmidt added that Marchand brings valuable energy to the locker room and is a fun teammate to “bounce off the walls with.”
Marchand himself has been impactful in the current playoffs, contributing key goals, including the overtime winner against Toronto in Game 3. He also remained true to his character in Game 5, engaging in a physical moment with Leafs winger William Nylander and exchanging words with Toronto fans. Marchand lightheartedly referred to these interactions as “a little love.”
Marchand has a deep recent history with the Florida Panthers, having faced them in heated playoff series while playing for Boston in both 2023 (where Florida overcame Boston`s 3-1 lead) and 2024 (a second-round series where a hit from Sam Bennett forced Marchand out for two games before the Panthers won). Now, the former Boston captain is a key part of the Panthers` playoff push.
Tristan Blackwood