Did anyone think Brad Marchand would be this good for the Florida Panthers?
When the Boston Bruins traded their captain for a conditional second-round pick (now a late first-round pick), it felt like the glory days were over. The now 37-year-old has been in a steady decline over the last several seasons, with 80 points in 2021-22, 67 in both 2022-23 and 2023-24, and 51 in 2024-25.
However, the man who has primarily held the NHL’s “Rat King” title for over a decade joined a team filled with fellow aggressors and instigators and has looked like his prime self.
Marchand currently has 10 goals and 10 assists through 22 playoff games, and leads the league in both +/- (18) and penalty minutes (48). He has also netted 6 goals during the Stanley Cup Final.
Marchand can now earn a significant payday on his next contract as an unrestricted free agent in a couple of weeks.
That thought seemed far-fetched a few months ago, but this incredible postseason run with Florida has Marchand as a hot commodity again.
Here is what Dom Luszczyszyn of The Athletic had to say:
“[Marchand’s] been a matchup nightmare for opposing teams, leading to a playoff Net Rating of plus-13.7 per 82 games. That’s in line with the level he was at three seasons ago and a mark that’s easily worth $8 million.”
$8 million still feels like a lot of money for an aging player, particularly one playing in a Panthers system that routinely gets the best out of its skaters. Marchand has excelled on Florida’s third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell, two terrific two-way forwards who also do not need to deal with top matchups.
Marchand looks like a different player with the Panthers, and while he could receive this type of money on the open market, staying put on a cheaper deal would be the best move for the conclusion of his career.
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