The Florida Panthers are one win away from repeating their 2024 championship, holding a 3–2 lead in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. In this decisive context, the front office is already beginning to plan for next season, and one of the biggest question marks is the future of Brad Marchand, who, alongside stars like Matthew Tkachuk, has been a key piece throughout the campaign, especially during the playoffs.
Marchand arrived in Florida via a trade from the Boston Bruins after becoming a franchise legend there. The 37-year-old veteran quickly emerged as a major presence both on and off the ice. His playoff production has been more than valuable: 17 points in 19 games.
Tkachuk may be one of the Panthers’ cornerstones during this final stretch, but Marchand’s goals have proven just as crucial, like the one he scored in double overtime in Game 2 against Edmonton. In that context, Florida already knows that no matter how the series ends, they want to make an effort to keep him.
Marchand’s sacrifice to stay with the Panthers
NHL insider Elliotte Friedman has shared details about Marchand’s potential renewal with Florida after final against the Oilers. “The Panthers would like to keep Brad Marchand, but he would have to take a ‘significant haircut’ on his deal,” Friedman said, according to SN 590.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers waits for a faceoff against the Toronto Maple Leafs during the third period in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Panthers are reportedly interested in extending Marchand’s short-term deal, but only if he agrees to make a substantial financial sacrifice. The veteran winger currently earns $6.125 million per season, a figure the team considers unsustainable if it wants to retain other key players in the lineup.
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Details surrounding Marchand’s potential return
Florida isn’t alone in wanting Marchand for the 2025–26 NHL season. Other franchises, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, have shown interest in signing the 37-year-old. At the same time, the Panthers must carefully manage their salary cap going forward, with several important contract negotiations looming—among them, Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad.
