The Florida Panthers are building a modern-day NHL dynasty, and general manager Bill Zito deserves tons of recognition for it. After re-signing Brad Marchand to a massive deal, the Cats have now reunited their veteran with a former prospect on the Boston Bruins.
Not satisfied after completing the perfect trifecta of pending free agents, Zito has now turned to the open NHL market to fill voids on the roster—that is, if a team coming off back-to-back Stanley Cups can actually have gaps to fill..
Since Zito took over as GM in the Sunshine State, every time the Panthers sign a player, the rest of the NHL wonders if they’ve missed something all along. It’s a recipe for success, the Cats see potential where many see an empty glass. Whereas many viewed Marchand as entering the twilight of his career, Florida traded for him and were pleased with the results.
Now, the Panthers have no interest in watching Marchand walk away from Sunrise. Zito handed him a six-year extension which will run through the 2030-31 season, when Marchand will be 43. In hopes of rewarding Marchand even further, and strengthening the team’s depth, they have now signed an UFA who previously played in Boston with Marchand.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Boston Bruins celebrates with Jack Studnicka #23 after scoring a goal against the New York Rangers during the first period of the preseason game at TD Garden on October 02, 2021 in Boston, Massachusetts.
“We’ve agreed to terms with forward Jack Studnicka on a one-year, two-way contract,” the Florida Panthers announced on their social media accounts.
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Depth monsters
While the two-way contract indicates the Panthers might send Studnicka to the AHL affiliate, the Charlotte Checkers, the former second-round pick in the 2017 Draft could rise to the NHL lineup.
Studnicka spent the entire 2024-25 season in the minors, playing for the LA Kings’ affiliate, the Ontario Reign. He registered 45 points (16 goals and 29 assists) in 72 appearances. The 26-year-old played four seasons with Marchand’s Bruins, although he only appeared in 38 games during that span, recording only 7 points.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers addresses the media following Game Five of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Rogers Place on June 14, 2024 in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada.
Hoping to establish himself in the big leagues, Studnicka will reunite with Marchand in a dream scenario. Florida and Zito simply love underdog stories, and this could definitely be one.
The good, the bad, and the ugly
While Studnicka’s signing might be a pleasant surprise for Marchand, the Panthers have also announced the signing of one veteran who the former Bruins captain might not be thrilled to become friends with.
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NHL News: With Nate Schmidt leaving for Utah, Brad Marchand’s Panthers welcome veteran on bargain deal
As announced by insider Elliotte Friedman, 37-year-old blueliner Jeff Petry has signed with the Panthers on a one-year deal at a league-minimum salary. The Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) between the NHL and NHLPA set the minimum at $800,000.
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Petry and Marchand have been fierce enemies, having led the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins, respectively, into battle time and again. Then intertwined in one of the NHL’s most intense rivalries, they will share locker rooms now. Petry and Marchand have to set their animosity aside next season—something the latter has shown he’s capable of doing.
