The rat is staying in Florida. According to insider Elliotte Friedman, the Florida Panthers are closing in on a 6 year $32 million contract extension.
On a day where the Panthers have also extended Aaron Ekblad, this is impressive work for the Florida Panthers. After all the speculation that one of Marchand, Ekblad or Bennett would be on the chopping block, general manager Bill Zito has found a way to keep them all in Florida. The 2 time defending champs will be a tough team to beat next year as there loaded group from this past year will remain mostly intact.
The 37 year old forward was a huge piece on this 2025 Stanley Cup Champion Panthers team. He recorded 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 postseason games. He was acquired from the Boston Bruins at this years trade deadline after spending 16 years with the team. He recorded 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games between the two clubs this past season.
The 2 time Stanley Cup Champ and veteran pest has amassed 424 goals and 556 assists for 980 points in 1,100 career games.
This long term contract does beg the question of whether Brad will play out the length of that deal. After the end of the contract in 2031 he will be 43 years old. Perhaps that lovely Florida weather. no income tax and more Stanley Cups will incentive Marchand to play the duration of this contract. Time will tell!
