Anticipation for Brad Marchand’s debut with the Florida Panthers is at an all-time high, and coach Paul Maurice has confirmed the forward’s eagerness to hit the ice. “He’s dying to get into the game, to play the game with the guys out there,” Maurice said Thursday, according to NHL.com, further fueling fan excitement.
However, the exact date of his debut remains uncertain, though there is a possibility it could be Friday when the defending Stanley Cup champions host Utah Hockey Club. Marchand, acquired from the Boston Bruins on March 7 in exchange for a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, has been sidelined since March 1 due to an upper-body injury. Despite his absence from games, he has been practicing with the Panthers since March 11 and participated in Thursday’s session, signaling that his return could be near.
“It’s possible,” Maurice said. “We’ll get through tomorrow, see how everybody comes back to the rink for the morning skate, and then we’ll make our decision on whether Brad is in or not.“ The Panthers haven’t played since a 4-3 shootout win against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Sunday, adding to the intrigue surrounding Marchand’s debut.
On Wednesday, Maurice emphasized that the Panthers won’t rush Marchand back, prioritizing his long-term health. “We’re not jamming these guys back on their first available day,” he said. “We’re not bringing them in early. If he says he wants a few more days, we’re good with that.”
Brad Marchand #63 of Team Canada celebrates with his teammates after defeating Team United States in overtime to win the NHL 4 Nations Face-Off Championship Game at TD Garden on February 20, 2025 in Boston, Massachusetts. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
Marchand and his integration into the Panthers’ scheme
The Panthers practiced without forwards Sam Bennett and Sam Reinhart on Wednesday, but Maurice clarified that both were simply getting a day off. Marchand trained on the right wing in the second line, which Maurice indicated could be his starting position, alongside Bennett and Mackie Samoskevich. Matthew Tkachuk, who has been out since suffering a lower-body injury at the 4 Nations Face-Off in February, typically plays right wing on Bennett’s line.
see also
Bruins’ Charlie McAvoy makes honest confession after losing Brad Marchand, other teammates in NHL trades
When will Marchand make his Panthers debut?
Brad Marchand’s debut with the Florida Panthers is highly anticipated, though the exact date remains uncertain. However, it is expected to happen soon, with Paul Maurice highlighting both his adaptation process and his eagerness to return.
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Marchand’s ability to quickly integrate into the team, combined with his proven track record in the NHL, makes him a valuable addition as the Panthers set their sights on another Stanley Cup run.
