“I would like to play until at least 40,” Brad Marchand has always been upfront about how he wishes to have a long and fulfilling NHL career. But in March, right after winning the inaugural 4 Nations Face-Off with Canada, that dream looked dangerously close to being squashed. Thankfully, the Florida Panthers swooped in to cash in on what they thought was an opportunity, and so far, the defending Stanley Cup champs haven’t had much to grumble about. Instead, they’re all praises.

After spending 16 years with the Boston Bruins, and two of those as team captain, Marchand was traded to Florida for a conditional 2027 pick. The unprecedented move came after the Bruins and Brad couldn’t reach a salary agreement. While that was definitely a hard pill to swallow for the 37-year-old, it seems like he has also settled into his new shoes pretty well.

In a YouTube upload by the official Florida Panthers account from May 19, general manager Bill Zito could be heard talking about how Brad Marchand’s trade has turned out to be a boon for the team. In a presser, sitting alongside coach Paul Maurice, the GM revealed that Marchand’s arrival has been like a breath of fresh air for the team in general.

Referring to Brad’s sensational performance against the Maple Leafs in Game 7 (the wingman picked up one goal and two assists at the Scotiabank Arena on Sunday), Zito said, “You saw last night, Brad’s a big moment guy,” clearly in awe of the bunny Marchand pulled out of his hat against the Maple Leafs. But his on-ice display of skills isn’t the only thing that has Zito drooling over the team’s new member.

“His personality has helped his linemates. He’s helped our team. His presence in the room. From his preparation, his experience, his professionalism,” the Florida GM couldn’t stop listing all the things that have made Brad Marchand the perfect new signee to arrive at Miami. Along with Marchand, Zito noted that Seth Jones also has been a wonderful addition to the Panthers’ roster.

Jones arrived in Florida just days before Brad Marchand, after transferring from the Chicago Blackhawks. A close shave for anyone who was in any way associated with the Hawks, considering they finished the regular season at the bottom of the Central Division, and we daresay the defenseman is feeling the relief of having managed to make it to the postseason with his new colleagues.

And yet, while both Jones and Marchand are proving themselves to be highly productive for the Panthers, the latter’s personality just might make set him apart. “When he got on our team, he was chirping guys right away, and chirping me right away which I just loved,” said Sam Bennett about how Brad doesn’t like to keep his mouth shut. Coach Maurice? He didn’t mind at all.

“That’s a part of the package and an important part of it. He’s got lots to say and it makes it fun,” the Panthers boss said about the Canadian national. But while the entire Florida locker room is vibing to Marchand, the winger himself isn’t shy to give back in kind.

Brad Marchand is feeling right at home in Miami

“It’s sad to leave a place I look at as home. I have a lot of great memories in Boston, a lot of incredible years there,” the hockey star said in March, after his trade deal was finalized between the Panthers and the Bruins. But he also noted that he was excited for what the future had in store for him, an optimism which soon turned out to be in favor of the ex-Bruins skipper.

Despite not showing up in Panthers’ jersey straight away, Brad still managed to pick up 2 goals and 2 assists before the 2024-25 regular season came to an end. And as fate would have it, the star found out his new camp and his play style were a match made in heaven. “It’s a very aggressive style. I mean, that is kind of how I play,” Marchand told reporters after scoring his debut Panthers goal against the Red Wings in April.

In the postseason so far, Maurice’s new mentee has already bagged 12 points (3 goals, 9 assists), and was arguably the best skater against the Leafs as he led his team with 8 points in the series. With the Panthers now progressing to the third round of the playoffs and awaiting their clash against the Carolina Hurricanes in the Eastern Conference final, those numbers are only expected to climb higher. So, how do you think Marchand will end his first year with the 2024 Stanley Cup winners? Share your predictions in a comment!