The Florida Panthers were way too quick to come up with a bulky $8 million deal to retain Sam Bennett for another 8 years. However, while the Cats’ eagerness to retain the Canadian forward for another tenure is understandable, given Bennett’s impressive 15-goal haul in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, it has also created considerable volatility over Brad Marchand‘s future with the Miami team. And that’s exactly the opening the Bruins could be looking for.

After 16 long years in Boston, Marchand was traded to the Panthers just ahead of the 2025 trade deadline in March. It was a painful departure that obviously stung the 37-year-old hockey winger. “It’s sad to leave a place I look at as home,” the seasoned star admitted, following him and the Bruins failing to reach a middle ground over a new contract. But as his future in South Florida remains uncertain, a fairytale homecoming could be on the table.

The Athletic‘s senior NHL columnist, Pierre LeBrun, went on X on June 29 to claim that the Boston Bruins could look to make the most of Marchand’s imminent unrestricted free agency, in case the Panthers fail to come up with a new contract to hold on to the star. “As we wait to see Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, several teams including Boston and Toronto hope to talk to him come Tuesday when the market opens, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Cup champs,” LeBrun mentioned how several of the reigning champs’ foes could try to get Marchand signed.

But while there are many teams who would love nothing more than to see “The Rat” don their jerseys, the Bruins will obviously have a special case for themselves than their peers. “The Bruins would certainly be open to bringing him back,” the hockey pundit’s social media underscores. No surprises there! After all, Brad Marchand did win the Cup in his rookie year with the Atlantic Division powerhouse. “I have a lot of great memories in Boston, a lot of incredible years there,” admitted a long-faced Marchand when it became clear that he would have to pack up and find a new camp earlier this year. Maybe that feeling of the blues could be compensated for by the Bruins coming through with a deal over the Panthers!

Truth be told, it was essentially only the financial gap between the Bruins and Marchand that resulted in the latter having to leave. More than anything else, really. “A player is more than entitled to have an understanding of what they think their market value is and do what’s best for them. And I have to always respect that,” said Boston GM Don Sweeney following Brad’s departure. But now, the stars just need to align a little more for him to make up for it.

And the Bruins have managed to underscore that the city still adores Marchand. After the Panthers reached their third straight Stanley Cup Finals this year, the Edward Everett Hale statue in Boston Public Garden was seen wearing a Brad Marchand jersey (#63), showcasing how the forward remains a beloved figure in the city’s community.

However, on the other hand, in May, The Sick Podcast’s Jimmy Murphy claimed that Marchand’s chances of returning to his former club might have come to a dead end. Talk about swaying to-and-fro, huh? So, where does that leave us? How real is the possibility of Sweeney roping back Brad? Well, not an easy answer, to keep things light.

Brad Marchand’s possibilities of staying back in Miami entirely off the table?

While it was difficult for Marchand to as goodbye to his old teammates, it also proved to be a boon in disguise for the hockey celebrity. After all, not many can boast that they went on to win the Stanley Cup only after spending about four months with their new squad. “These are the best few months I have ever had in my career. It’s an incredible group down here. I’ve loved every second of it, and hopefully it can continue,” admitted Marchand only last Friday, making it clear that he’s not entirely unopposed to the thought of extending his stay in Sunrise, Florida.

However, with the Panthers coughing up major dough in their bid to hold on to Bennett might have burned a hole too large in their pockets, especially when it comes to whipping out a new contract for someone as emphatic as Brad Marchand. Moreover, with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs also eyeing the veteran star, things are likely to get even more contentious for the back-to-back Cup champs.

But then again, Brad’s time with the Panthers has been nothing short of scintillating. From Marchand bagging new records in the Cats’ jersey to celebrating the Miami team’s Cup triumph like his life depended on it, the Canadian has become a beloved name within South Florida’s hockey clan despite only having been there since March. So, which of these memories will prove to be the stronger one when July 1 arrives and Marchand’s UFA kicks in? Will the Panthers put all of their chips on the table and find a way to get him to stay? Or will the Bruins capitalize on the Cats’ dilemma and shallow pockets? Share your take on the matter with us below!