“I would like to play until at least 40,” Brad Marchand has always been upfront about how he wishes to have a long and fulfilling NHL career. But in March, right after winning the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off with Canada, that dream looked dangerously close to being squashed. Thankfully, the Florida Panthers swooped in to cash in on the opportunity, and so far, the defending Stanley Cup champs haven’t had much to grumble about. Instead, they’re all praises.
After spending 16 years with the Boston Bruins, and two of those as team captain, Marchand was traded to Florida for a conditional 2027 pick. The unprecedented move came after the Bruins and Brad couldn’t reach a salary agreement. While that was definitely a hard pill to swallow for the 37-year-old, it seems like he has also settled into his new shoes pretty well. And his new colleagues aren’t too shy to hail the star winger either.
In a YouTube upload by the official Florida Panthers account from May 19, general manager Bill Zito could be heard talking about how Brad Marchand’s trade has turned out to be a boon for the team. In a presser, sitting alongside coach Paul Maurice, the GM revealed that Marchand’s arrival has been like a breath of fresh air for the team in general.
Referring to Brad’s sensational performance against the Maple Leafs in Game 7 (the wingman picked up one goal and two assists at the Scotiabank Arena on Sunday), Zito said, “You saw last night, Brad’s a big moment guy,” clearly in awe of the bunny Marchand pulled out of his hat against the Maple Leafs. But his on-ice display of skills isn’t the only thing that has Zito drooling over the team’s new member.
NHL, Eishockey Herren, USA Stanley Cup Playoffs-Florida Panthers at Toronto Maple Leafs May 5, 2025 Toronto, Ontario, CAN Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand 63 skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the second period of game one in the second round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena. Toronto Scotiabank Arena Ontario CAN, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJohnxE.xSokolowskix 20250505_jhp_ss9_0252
“His personality has helped his linemates. He’s helped our team. His presence in the room. From his preparation, his experience, his professionalism,” the Florida GM couldn’t stop listing all the things that have made Brad Marchand the perfect new signee to arrive at Miami. Along with Marchand, Zito noted that Seth Jones also has been a wonderful addition to the Panthers’ roster.
Jones arrived in Florida just days before Brad Marchand after transferring from the Chicago Blackhawks. A close shave for anyone who was in any way associated with the Hawks, indeed! Chicago finished the regular season at the bottom of the Central Division, and we daresay the defenseman is feeling the relief of having managed to make it to the postseason with his new colleagues.
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