Today’s latest set of NHL Rumours brings us to South Florida. Of course, a Stanley Cup champion always has work to do to stay on top. For this installment, we are going to analyze Brad Marchand‘s situation, essentially from a Panthers perspective. So, let’s get into it.
NHL Rumours: The Latest on Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers
INSIDER TRADING – @PierreVLeBrun on the Leafs & Tavares trying to find the sweet spot in contract talks, Florida’s Big 3 UFAs: https://t.co/uAIroPSHig pic.twitter.com/DxGAqCn7YZ
— TSN Hockey (@TSNHockey) June 24, 2025
Rumour: Pierre LeBrun is updating us on the Panthers big three free agents. For this, we focus in on Brad Marchand. He has him listed as second on priority (of the three).
Analysis: It seems you can’t talk about one, without discussing the other three, given the cost of re-signing them. As it stands, Marchand seems to be in a position of being re-signed by general manager Bill Zito and crew. But, why can we draw such a conclusion?
Marchand had initially come over to the Florida Panthers from the Boston Bruins as a rental. However, after finishing second in Conn Smythe Trophy voting and scoring 20 points in 23 playoff games, his value on the Florida Panthers forward alignment cannot be understated. GM Zito is now prioritizing his re-signing, before he allows his team to sleep.
How Did We Come to This Conclusion?
Now from our NHL rumours, Pierre LeBrun didn’t get into logistical details on a potential contract. He didn’t specify term or amount. Still, there is some discussion to be had. In contrast, he did mention a good point about where Florida’s priorities lay.
Based on Marchand’s performance, he definitely jumped up the depth charts. Recently on NHL Rumours, we’ve already discussed Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett recently. There seems to be consensus that (only) two of the three of those free agents, will be retained by the Panthers. Based on all we’re saying and hearing, it likely sounds like Ekblad will be the odd man out.
Studying Marchand’s Details Specifically
That means there will be some available funds. According to PuckPedia, and as we have recently mentioned, they have about $19 million free. Between Bennett and Marchand, you could guesstimate up to $15 million of that allocated (if not more).
Brad Marchand based on his age, it’s tough to know exactly exactly how long of a deal he will sign. For the most part, it appears he has bounced back from offseason surgeries. Moreover, his production in the regular season was down from previous years, but still nothing to shake a stick at. He managed 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games. Along with the intangibles he brings as a proven winner, he’s still getting the job done. Furthermore, based on his performance in the playoffs, considering all things equally he will earn a decent paycheque. We are simply saying, there’s now looking like there’s a decent shot that will be in Florida.
The other side of it, of course, is Marchand’s perspective. Why wouldn’t he want to sign with the back-to-back Stanley Cup champs. It seems Zito may hold that bargaining chip over the rest of the competition.
Main Photo Credit: Perry Nelson-Imagn Images
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