To the NHL in 2006, Brad Marchand was a massive red flag. But to Boston Bruins scout Don Matheson, Marchand was everything he’d ever asked for. When the 18-year-old was drafted 71st overall (third round) in that year’s NHL Entry Draft, raised eyebrows and muffled whispers permeated every front office. Mostly, because the young phenom was what they called a “massive risk-massive reward” mystery, known more for his selfishness and compulsive behavior than his talent—a “pest” if you may.

Yes, then New York Islanders head coach Ted Nolan, who trained the Draft-headed player in 2005-06 for the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League’s Moncton Wildcats, might have cried a river. But other than that, most coaches probably smirked and rolled their eyes. Now, cut to 16 seasons later, one Stanley Cup win, two Stanley Cup finalist appearance, and topping the Bruins franchise record for shorthanded goals later, it was probably Marchand who was having the last laugh. Until… one fateful day turned the Bruins into his enemy, thanks to money.

Through tears, the left winger announced his move to the Florida Panthers. “It was very disappointing things didn’t get done. I loved the organization and wanted to stay there.” And let’s just say, it wasn’t just the 37-year-old who was heartbroken, but the community, too, which explains the increased calls on the player’s return to the Bruins. Especially after the veteran himself hasn’t ruled out the possibility with respect to his free agency status on July 1: “I know it didn’t come together. Now can things change down the road? Potentially, but that’s to be seen. So I am sure we’ll have a conversation down the road, but I don’t know where that goes.” Well, don’t get your hopes high so soon…

On May 22, The Sick Podcast – The Eye Test‘s Jimmy Murphy hit X to share that Marchand’s possibilities of returning to Boston might be a far cry from reality. “As I’ve stated since he was traded, a source close to Brad Marchand just told me: ‘I can’t see a way he returns to the #NHLBruins. That ship’s sailed’. My top three landing spots for Marchand right now: 1.) Stays with #TimeToHunt 2.) #LeafsForever 3.) #NJDevils”. The NHL insider’s post could come off as a sucker punch to many Bruins loyalists. With that, Murphy listed the three teams where Marchand might continue his career in the final years of his professional life.

Primarily, social media posits that Brad could extend his stay with the Florida Panthers. With the team GM noting his vehement enthusiasm about Marchand’s signing, it’s not unnatural to speculate that the Cats could somehow find a way to retain him. However, as Murphy discussed in the comment section of the post, the Panthers might also need to reallocate their funds for Sam Bennett before the next season.

Bennett is in the final year of his 4-year $17,700,000 deal and could easily look for a jostle with Zito in order to stay in Florida for the next season as well. With that in mind, Murphy claimed that Brad Marchand could go back to his native country and sign up for the Toronto Maple Leafs or choose to head over to New Jersey for a stint with the Devils should he opt to live in the United States.

But while his future is yet to be seen, one thing is for sure: the Panthers couldn’t have hoped for a better man to have among their ranks in their pursuit to defend the Cup.

Brad Marchand and the Panthers: A match made in heaven?

While leaving behind Boston was a tough pill to swallow for Marchand, he was equally excited for the next chapter of his career. “You can tell the way they prepare every day, how they recover, how they take care of themselves. They’re in to win it, and it’s special to be a part of,” Marchand said in April on how the Cats had something to offer for his growth in exchange for him lending his skills to the reigning champs.

Moreover, the player also mentioned that the Panthers’ aggressive play style was also something that was easy for him to adapt to, especially since he loves to play physical himself. And that has proven to be a collaboration that can yield definitive results.

In 12 playoff games, Marchand has already bagged 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), 4 shots on net, 19 hits, 32 PIM and a plus-11 rating. Those points include a leading point-scorer run (8) in Round 2, which, in turn, includes the overtime winner in Game 3. Now, with Florida already having a firm 2-0 lead over the Canes in the Conference Finals, the numbers are only likely to climb higher. Of course, the Florida GM thinks his new signee is like a breath of fresh air who has helped the team to look even more menacing than they usually are.

“His personality has helped his linemates. He’s helped our team. His presence in the room. From his preparation, his experience, his professionalism,” Zito said during a presser just a few days ago. But could that fondness prompt the franchise to want to hold on to Marchand in the hopes of blooming more hockey flowers in the next season? What do you reckon?