The newest Florida Panther is set to make his first appearance with the team.
Forward Brad Marchand, a future Hall of Famer and Stanley Cup Champion, was acquired by Florida from the Boston Bruins as the clock struck midnight on Friday’s NHL Trade Deadline.
It was a shocking move that came after Panthers General Manager Bill Zito had already acquired defenseman Seth Jones, center Nico Sturm and goaltender Vitek Vanecek.
Marchand is currently injured, dealing with an upper-body injury that he suffered the Saturday before the Trade Deadline.
We’ll learn more about his timetable for a return in the coming days, as Marchand is already in South Florida and under the care of the Panthers medical team.
Monday morning, before Florida hits the ice for their final practice ahead of a six-game road trip that lasts nearly two weeks, the team is hosting a press conference.
Likely bestowing some fresh new Panthers swag, Marchand will address the media and discuss things like why he wanted to come to South Florida and what kind of damage he could do on a line with players like Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk.
Long known for his physical, imposing style of play, it would seem that Marchand should fit in perfectly with the systems employed by Panthers Head Coach Paul Maurice.
That’s why it wouldn’t be surprising to see Marchand stick around in South Florida past this season.
He’ll be an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season and was reportedly not happy with Boston’s lack of willingness to negotiate.
It will be interesting to see what he has to say on Monday morning.
LATEST STORIES FROM THE HOCKEY NEWS – FLORIDA
‘A confidence builder’: Vanecek enjoys historic success, earning shutout in Panthers debut
Three takeaways: Newly acquired Panthers shine, chemistry growing on third defensive pairing
Vanecek shuts out Sabres in Panthers debut as Florida wins fifth straight
Panthers begin post-Trade Deadline push to playoffs against struggling Sabres
‘This is going to be pretty fun’: Panthers pull off shocking trade for Brad Marchand moments before Trade Deadline
Read the full article here
