After a dominant effort to capture their second straight Stanley Cup, all eyes are on the Florida Panthers’ quest for a three-peat.
No NHL team has accomplished that feat since the early 80s New York Islanders, who won a mind-boggling four straight Cups from 1980-83.
For Florida to join the Islanders in that exclusive group, it needs to address some crucial free agents. Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad are top priorities, and playoff hero Brad Marchand is not far behind.
Here is the latest on Marchand:
The Fourth Period: If Brad Marchand stays in Florida it would be on a 3-4 year deal around $5 to 6 million per year
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) June 19, 2025
Marchand played just 10 regular season games for the Panthers after the shocking trade with the Boston Bruins. However, he quickly acclimated to Florida and was right there with Bennett for the Conn Smythe.
The 37-year-old recorded 10 goals, 10 assists, a +17 +/-, and led all playoff performers with 48 penalty minutes. He looked like his prime, Boston self during the run, and is a perfect fit for this in-your-face, aggressive brand of Panthers hockey.
Other teams are going to see his point production, forecheck impact, and overall outstanding hockey IQ and likely throw a higher annual average value than $6 million at him.
But, if you’re Marchand, why leave? He is still an excellent player, even in his older days, and benefits from playing on Florida’s stout third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell.
He also felt like a natural fit off the ice. Whether it be the Panthers’ new tradition of shooting plastic rats at him, Dairy Queen visits, or a break from the doom and gloom in Boston for some Florida sunshine, Marchand should want to stay.
He already has two Cups and did loads for his Hall of Fame argument this spring. Is he willing to sacrifice, say, $10 million total for some more rings?
It certainly feels that way.
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