After finalizing a blockbuster trade for Brad Marchand, the Florida Panthers have anxiously waited for their new star to recover from an upper-body injury and make his NHL debut with the organization in Sunrise. As the Cats gear up for a pivotal matchup, head coach Paul Maurice announced a possible return date for the 36-year-old forward.
The Panthers haven’t been at their best in recent NHL outings. Since their six-game win streak came to an end, the Cats are 3-3-1 over the last seven games, with all their wins being in one-goal games, while the losses haven’t been particularly close.
Florida is clearly feeling the key absences around its lineup. Aaron Ekblad, Dmitry Kulikov, Matthew Tkachuk, and Brad Marchand are four of the star starters who have been sidelined as of late in Sunrise.
Despite the struggles, the team’s overall competitiveness is a great compliment to Paul Maurice’s system, as most teams would spiral out of control with as many key players inactive.
However, the worst may be behind the Panthers, and brighter days could be ahead in The Sunshine State. Ahead of a crucial matchup with the Utah Hockey Club on March 28, Maurice provided a firm update on Marchand and his potential return date.
“Maurice says the Panthers are targeting Friday’s game vs. Utah as a potential debut for Marchand,” Panthers senior digital content manager Jameson Olive stated on his X account.
First sighting
After Sunday’s win over the Pittsburgh Penguins, the Panthers had a few days off before returning to practice in Fort Lauderdale on Wednesday. During the open practice, Maurice experimented with new lines as Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett were inactive, as part of a maintenance day. Fans and media got their first look at how Marchand could fit into a Panthers lineup.
Marchand skated on the team’s second line alongside Mackie Samoskevich and Tomas Nosek. Nosek filled in for Bennett, confirming that a Bennett-Marchand duo would anchor the Panthers’ second line once the former Bruins captain returns to action. Matthew Tkachuk is expected to join them, forming a relentless, high-energy line come playoff time.