Panthers’ Brad Marchand Set for Debut Against Utah Friday Night

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Brad Marchand is expected to make his highly anticipated debut for the Florida Panthers against the Utah Hockey Club on Friday at 7 p.m. ET, after being sidelined due to an upper-body injury since March 1. Marchand, acquired from the Boston Bruins on March 7 for a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, practiced with the team throughout the week, prompting optimism from Panthers coaching staff.

Panthers head coach Paul Maurice confirmed Marchand’s potential return during a press conference on Friday morning, stating, “We’ll get him through warmups and see, but he has healed past that. We expect him to play.” The 36-year-old forward had a stellar career with the Bruins, accumulating 976 points in 1,090 games, including 47 points in 61 games this season.

Despite his absence, Marchand has become an integral part of team dynamics during practice since joining Florida. Maurice noted his leadership skills and energy could greatly benefit the Panthers as they head into the final stretch of the regular season.

“He brings a lot, obviously the leadership, and big-time energy,” said Florida forward A.J. Greer, who played alongside Marchand last season in Boston. “He has been in big situations, and everyone respects him. We know he is going to have success here. He is built for what we have, he is built for the game that we play.”

Marchand is expected to play right wing on the second line alongside center Sam Bennett and rookie winger Mackie Samoskevich. His familiarity with Bennett from their time on Team Canada is anticipated to ease his transition into the Panthers’ system.

“When you’re on the ice, all you want to do is win, and he will be that guy for us,” said Panthers forward Jesper Boqvist. “It’s going to be unreal to watch him. He is awesome, and he is still going strong.”

The Panthers, currently on a playoff push with a record of 43-25-3, are tied for second place in the Atlantic Division with 89 points, just one point behind the Toronto Maple Leafs. The recent absence of star forward Matthew Tkachuk, who is recovering from a lower-body injury, creates space for Marchand to make a significant impact.

“With Matthew out of our lineup, there’s a place for [Marchand], for sure,” Maurice said, emphasizing the value of Marchand’s experience as the team strives for postseason success. “He knows what we have been talking about the past two weeks because he has been in all the meetings. That should help him in knowing his reads, and where we’re at.”

As the game approaches, fans and players alike are eager to see how Marchand integrates into the Panthers’ lineup. Maurice has emphasized the importance of a cautious approach regarding Marchand’s return, ensuring he is fully fit before his first competitive game with the Panthers.

Marchand’s addition not only strengthens Florida’s offense but also adds veteran leadership that could prove crucial as the playoffs draw near. “He’s just a guy who brings a relentless work ethic,” said Panthers forward Evan Rodrigues. “When you have someone like that, it almost makes the whole group want to buy in a little bit more.”

The Panthers are set to host the Utah Hockey Club in what promises to be a pivotal match. As anticipation builds for Marchand’s debut, fans will be watching closely to see how quickly he can contribute to his new team’s success.