Marchand Expected Back Early in Season After Surgery
The Panthers will take a conservative approach with the 38-year-old winger, who is recovering from offseason surgery.
The Florida Panthers expect Brad Marchand to return early in the season as he recovers from offseason surgery, president of hockey operations and general manager Bill Zito said Wednesday.
“We’re going to be very conservative in bringing him back,” Zito said during Florida's Media Day. “It’s not really a worry or a concern for me.”
Marchand will miss the start of the regular season. Panthers coach Paul Maurice said he expects to provide a clearer recovery timeline Thursday after the team completes medical evaluations.
The 38-year-old winger disclosed the surgery in an Aug. 15 social media post but did not specify the injury. Marchand had dealt with a lower-body injury during the 2025-26 season and last played March 6, missing Florida's final 19 games.
Marchand had 27 goals and 27 assists in 52 games last season. The Panthers missed the playoffs after winning consecutive Stanley Cups in 2024 and 2025.
Florida acquired Marchand from the Boston Bruins before the 2025 trade deadline. He scored 10 goals during the Panthers' 2025 championship run, then signed a six-year, $31.5 million contract with Florida.
