NHL News: Brad Marchand issues bold 4-word order to Panthers GM Bill Zito amid suspenseful days ahead of free agency

Slowly but steadily, the party fades in Sunrise, making way for a summer of big decisions for the Florida Panthers. Brad Marchand’s future is among the most critical, as he became a staple of the team in just a few months. With NHL free agency approaching, the veteran winger needed just four words to make his stance clear to general manager Bill Zito.

There wasn’t a better story in the 2024-25 NHL season. After years of going to battle against them, Marchand joined the Panthers en route to the franchise’s second Stanley Cup. Not many playwrights could’ve come up with such a turn of events.

Now, however, Marchand’s time in Sunrise might be nearing its end. Set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, his future in South Florida is, at this point, pretty much a coin toss.

Or so it seemed—until Marchand dropped a sincere admission in the one place he might be even happier than on the ice: a Dairy Queen. While serving free Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough Blizzards, Marchand sent a strong message—bordering on a directive—to Zito and the front office.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes the ice prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

“Give me a contract,” Brad Marchand stated when asked to send a message to Bill Zito by a reporter. Based on his quick response, it seems the 37-year-old veteran isn’t looking to change address this summer.

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Home is where the heart is

The 2024-25 NHL season wasn’t easy, whatsoever, for Marchand. After enduring dramatic months with the Boston Bruins, he found a change of scenery after being traded to the Panthers.

However, despite what the Sunshine State might suggest, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows for him. Marchand had to be away from his family, who remained in Boston. Little did he know, he’d walk into a big family on the Panthers’ organization.

In less than a year, Marchand found a home in Sunrise. And he seemingly doesn’t feel like leaving any time soon. He made that clear with a sincere admission: “I feel like I’m home. I am home, aren’t I?”