Brad Marchand has just won the Stanley Cup for the second time in his illustrious NHL career. But it took him a while to get his hands on the trophy again, as he even had to leave the Boston Bruins in order to get back to glory days.
Now proud to be part of the Florida Panthers, the veteran winger lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time with the Bruins in 2011, shortly after turning 23. He had to wait 14 years to enjoy that winning feeling again, celebrating the Cats’ 2025 title at 37.
Even though there was a huge gap between both titles, it’s safe to say others would wish to be so lucky to lift the Cup at least once. One of Marchand’s former teammates, for instance, is retiring without having his name engraved on it.
Veteran goalie Anton Khudobin retires from NHL
On Tuesday, Anton Khudobin announced his retirement from the NHL after 14 seasons. The 39-year-old overlapped with Marchand in Boston in two different stints with the Bruins organization (2010-2013, 2016-2018).
Brad Marchand, Anton Khudobin, Adam McQuaid and Zdeno Chara celebrate a win over the Chicago Blackhawks at the United Center on April 2, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois.
Originally selected by the Minnesota Wild with the No. 206 pick in the seventh round of the 2004 NHL Draft, Khudobin joined the Bruins before the 2011 trade deadline in exchange for Jeff Penner and Mikko Lehtonen.
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Even though he was immediately assigned to the team’s AHL affiliate Providence Bruins, Khudobin finished the season as the Bruins’ emergency goalie during the 2011 Stanley Cup playoffs.
He didn’t play a single minute, yet the goalie was included in the team’s celebratory picture after the Bruins took down the Vancouver Canucks in the Finals and was even awarded a Stanley Cup ring. However, unlike Marchand, Khudobin’s name was not engraved on the trophy as he didn’t get playing time during the season.
Stanley Cup glory eluded Khudobin
Khudobin had a second chance and came close to getting his name on the Cup in the 2020 playoffs, when he helped the Dallas Stars reach the Final. Unfortunately, he fell short once again as his team lost to the Tampa Bay Lightning in six games.
A journeyman who also suited up for the Carolina Hurricanes, Anaheim Ducks, and Chicago Blackhawks, Khudobin is stepping away rom the NHL with a 114-92-33 record, boasting 2.52 GAA, .916 save percentage and 11 shutouts in 260 regular-season appearances (238 starts).
Anton Khudobin #35 of the Dallas Stars looks on from the bench against the Tampa Bay Lightning during the third period in Game Three of the 2020 NHL Stanley Cup Final.
More Stanley Cups on the horizon for Marchand?
For Marchand, on the other hand, there seem to be more chapters to be written as his surprising trade to the Panthers in February proved to be a game-changer both for him and the Cats.
Leaving behind their days as division and conference rivals, this turned out to be a match made in heaven, with Marchand proving crucial in the Panthers’ second consecutive Stanley Cup win.
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As a matter of fact, the 37-year-old made a big commitment to Florida this offseason by accepting a team-friendly, six-year deal to keep him under contract through age 43. Perhaps there are more Stanley Cups in store for the former Bruins star.
