Brad Marchand’s trade from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers really caught everyone off guard during the 2024-25 NHL season. On March 1, Marchand got an upper-body injury while playing against the Pittsburgh Penguins.  He got injured and missed Boston’s last three games before the trade deadline, which pretty much wrapped up his time with the Bruins. So, here’s the scoop: even though he was in the last season of his eight-year, $49 million deal and getting ready to hit unrestricted free agency, the Bruins decided to trade their captain to the Panthers on March 7.

They got a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in return. When the trade happened, Marchand had already notched up 21 goals and 26 assists in 61 games with the Bruins. So, because of his injury, he was marked as “week-to-week” and didn’t jump right onto the Panthers’ active roster. When he was spotted in a Panthers jersey for the first time, he couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with emotions. He said, “You know, I’ve had an incredible run in that organization and I’m extremely proud. Just how things went there. Sorry. So, yeah, it was very disappointing that things didn’t get done just because, obviously, I love the organization. I wanted to stay there.”

He was really let down by the trade. But, you know, the story has really flipped around since then. He’s actually doing pretty well with his new franchise in the postseason. So far in 15 games, Marchand has netted 4 goals, dished out 9 assists, and racked up a total of 13 points. He’s really stepped up as one of the top point scorers this postseason for the Panthers.

During a press conference, even with Florida’s strong performance on the ice, the hockey forward remains humble, saying, “You never know how things are going to go. There’s so many things that you can’t control in playoffs that can dictate the outcome of a series, and we’ve been fortunate with some bounces and some calls and stuff like that that have helped us get to the point we’re at. But we haven’t achieved anything yet. You know, until you win everything, you accomplish nothing. So, you know, it’s day-to-day, and we just keep moving forward, trying to deal with the things that come at us.”

Ever since he was traded to the Panthers, Marchand has really become a key player in the team’s playoff success. He’s really made a difference, especially in those intense games. So, Marchand really came through with that overtime goal in Game 3 against the Toronto Maple Leafs, helping the Panthers move ahead in the playoffs.

Marchand’s influence goes beyond just the numbers. His leadership and experience have really made a difference for the Panthers, a team looking to make it to the Stanley Cup Final for the third time in a row. His presence has really brought something new to the team’s culture, and you can see how his competitive spirit has been embraced by his teammates.

“It’s been unreal having him in. And he’s got what everybody wants in this league, and that’s that winning pedigree and being a champion and having that experience,” Matthew Tkachuk said about his new teammate, who definitely brings that champion vibe and veteran expertise to the team. The team really shows their bond through this fun tradition where they shoot plastic rats at Marchand. It’s a playful nod to his “rat” nickname and a great way to keep the team’s spirit high. The head coach also recognized the forward’s impact on the team.

Paul Maurice’s assessment on Brad Marchand

“You guys won’t like hearing this, but there’s a Brad Marchand effect there,” Paul Maurice said after his team took down the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game 7 of the Eastern Conference Semifinal. But wait, there’s more!

“There is. And that’s a [Anton] Lundell score tonight, a roll off the slot hole. And he’s affected those guys in such a positive way about thinking about the game and the small-area plays. And I felt those two young guys had it in them, but the role that I gave them stunted them. I wouldn’t let them do that,” the Panthers coach said, commenting on Marchand’s impact on the team.

For sure, players like Lundell are looking to play just like their veteran teammate. And this is something that only Brad can add to the mix. Florida’s been on quite the journey in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs! It’ll be interesting to see if they can pull off that back-to-back Stanley Cup win.