Brad Marchand was a key piece in helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup last season. That unexpected trade in March was a masterful move by general manager Bill Zito to boost their chances.
A few days after that trade, the Panthers faced the Bruins on the road, but Marchand couldn’t play due to an injury. That’s why his long-awaited return to Boston is one of the most anticipated dates on the 2025-2026 NHL calendar.
Now, the league has confirmed that the game is officially scheduled for October 21. It will be a very special day for Brad Marchand, as he’ll face his former team for the first time at TD Garden, and he’ll do it as a defending champion.
Did Brad Marchand sign with Panthers?
Yes. Brad Marchand signed a six-year, 31.5 million dollar contract with the Florida Panthers, so the veteran will remain one of the team’s leaders in their historic pursuit of a three-peat.
Bill Zito pulled off something that seemed impossible in free agency: keeping a core group intact with stars like Marchand, Sam Bennett, and Aaron Ekblad. That’s why experts are placing the Panthers as the title favorites for the upcoming season.