The hockey world is waiting to find out where Brad Marchand decides to lace up his skates next season and beyond.
As it stands, the 37-year-old unrestricted free agent could very well end up re-signing with the Florida Panthers.
Florida acquired Marchand at last season’s Trade Deadline in exchange for what ended up being a first round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft.
It’s a price that the Panthers are surely pleased to have paid, as Marchand played an instrumental role in Florida’s winning their second straight Stanley Cup.
Marchand was a close second to teammate Sam Bennett in the race for the Conn Smythe Trophy. He racked up 10 goals and 20 points in 23 postseason games, including six goals during the Stanley Cup Final against Edmonton.
Two of those six goals against the Oilers were game-winners.
So yeah, Marchand was electric for the Panthers, and what appeared to be a match made in heaven could potentially go on for the next several seasons depending on how things shake out in free agency.
While we still have a few days to wait for those decisions to start coming in, there was another interesting stat from Marchand’s playoff run that felt important to highlight.
As a team, the Panthers proved to be incredibly strong when it came to bouncing back after a loss.
During Florida’s 23-game playoff run, they only lost back-to-back outings one time: Games 1 and 2 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.
The Panthers held a 6-1 record after a defeat, outscoring teams 33-20 during those seven outings.
It’s what Marchand did during those seven games that really jumps off the page.
First off, Marchand had at least a point in every one of Florida’s games after a loss.
In fact, he racked up seven goals and 11 points on 22 shots in those seven post-defeat outings, skating to a plus-14 on-ice rating.
Considering Florida’s ability to bounce back and not have to endure any extended periods of losing was a key element to their Stanley Cup victory, it’s clear Marchand played a monumental role in making sure that remained a strength that the team possessed throughout their march to the Cup.
It’s just something else to keep in mind as we inch close to July 1.
Of course, Marchand and the Panthers could always agree to an extension before that.
Stay tuned.
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Photo caption: Jun 6, 2025; Edmonton, Alberta, CAN; Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal on Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Place. (Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images)