Panthers may have to choose: $64M Sam Bennett deal puts Brad Marchand's future in serious doubt
Marchand's Panthers future in doubt after Bennett's $64M extension (Image via: Getty Images)
Brad Marchand's journey since March has been nothing short of a wild ride. After an emotional Boston Bruins exit, the 37-year-old landed with the Florida Panthers—and struck gold.
He lifted his second Stanley Cup, 14 years after his first, and looked completely at home in Sunrise, Florida. But just as things were clicking, Sam Bennett's blockbuster $64 million extension might have thrown a wrench into Marchand's South Florida dream.
Brad Marchand wants to stay in Florida after Stanley Cup win
'These are the best few months I have ever had in my career,' Marchand shared, expressing his growing attachment to the Panthers after just a brief stint. He's set to hit unrestricted NHL free agency on July 1, and insiders suggest he's keen on returning to the reigning champs.
But keeping him might be a luxury the Panthers can no longer afford, thanks to
Bennett
's big payday.
Sam Bennett Loves Playing With Brad Marchand
Panthers reward Sam Bennett with $64M deal, but at what cost?
After an unforgettable playoff run where he netted 15 goals and won the 2025 Conn Smythe Trophy, Sam Bennett was handed an eight-year, $64 million contract by Florida. While the extension makes sense, Bennett is now the franchise's all-time playoff goals leader, it also complicates their offseason outlook.
'Panthers now have $11M in cap space to fill out 6 roster spots,' reported The Hockey News' Armando Velez.
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That leaves little room for an aging star like Marchand, who played a crucial postseason role and likely expects a contract richer than his previous $6.13 million AAV deal with Boston.
'Sam is a special player… one of the most impactful postseason performers of his generation,' said GM Bill Zito. With this move, Florida locks in its powerhouse core: Bennett, Barkov, Tkachuk, Reinhart, Lundell, Verhaeghe, Jones, and Forsling are all signed through at least 2030.
Brad Marchand—who won a Stanley Cup as a rookie with the Bruins in 2011—delivered one of the most poetic full-circle moments in NHL history by repeating that feat with the Panthers this year. But even days before the trade deadline, coach Paul Maurice had no idea he'd be gifted such a veteran.
Also Read:
NHL Awards Controversy: Florida Panthers GM Bill Zito denied NHL GM of the year award despite Stanley Cup success
Bill Zito reportedly approached him and casually floated Brad Marchand's name as a possible addition, a game-changing twist that helped Florida secure back-to-back Cups.
Game On Season 1 continues with Mirabai Chanu's inspiring story. Watch Episode 2 here.
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