Marchand’s Future with the Panthers
In Fort Lauderdale, Florida, veteran forward Brad Marchand has revealed that he is contemplating the possibility of re-signing with the Florida Panthers during the upcoming offseason. However, he reiterated that his primary goal is to clinch the Stanley Cup before diving into any discussions about free agency.
“I’ve thought about it, but for now, my attention is on winning,”
Marchand stated.
Contract Situation and Performance
The Panthers brought Marchand into the fold after he and the Boston Bruins failed to agree on a contract extension. With his contract set to expire on July 1, he will enter unrestricted free agency this summer. As he approaches his 17th season in the NHL at the age of 37, Marchand has proven to be a key player this season with notable statistics of 23 goals and 28 assists across 71 games.
Adored for his two-way playing style, Marchand has not only been a crucial offensive asset but also a gritty presence on the ice. His performance during the current playoff series has elevated his profile, registering 17 points—including seven goals—in 19 games, demonstrating his crucial role in the Panthers’ path to the Stanley Cup Final. He notably scored twice during a pivotal Game 2 victory in Edmonton, including the game-winner in double overtime. Head coach Paul Maurice praised the forward, stating,
“I didn’t realize just how skilled his hands are. He’s of the elite level like Matthew Tkachuk. He’s truly exceptional.”
Focusing on the Present
As the Panthers find themselves tied 1-1 in the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Marchand has chosen to focus solely on the upcoming games, putting contract talks on hold. He emphasized the importance of staying present during crucial moments like these, saying,
“These situations don’t come around often, and it’s vital to enjoy the experience.”
Potential Influences on Marchand’s Decision
Once the postseason concludes, Marchand’s decision about his future could potentially favor the Panthers. The team has consistently reached the Stanley Cup Final for three consecutive seasons, and he has noted the organizational professionalism as a strong point. Another factor that might influence his choice is the lack of state income tax in Florida, making it one of six U.S. teams that bear this advantage in a league where every dollar counts against a salary cap.
Other teams with similar tax conditions—like the Tampa Bay Lightning and the Vegas Golden Knights—have also enjoyed success, having won several Cup championships since 2020.
Despite some contention from fans about these tax advantages in the NHL, deputy commissioner Bill Daly noted recently that there are no plans to address this issue in the next Collective Bargaining Agreement.
“These imbalances have always existed and there are multiple factors influencing a player’s decision beyond taxation,”
Daly explained.
Marchand recognized the importance of tax implications, especially for veteran players with multiple offers.
“For players weighing their options among different teams, tax differences can definitely influence their decision-making process,”
he admitted. He pointed out that franchises without such tax incentives often need to offer greater pay, which can hinder their salary cap flexibility and overall competitiveness as top-tier teams.
“Contending teams usually have limited cap space, especially those in higher-tax regions like Canada and California,”
he added as a note of caution for teams pursuing free agents.
Game 3 of the Cup Final is set to take place in Sunrise on Monday night.
