Could Brad Marchand remain a Panther for life?

Brad Marchand was a surprise addition for the Florida Panthers, acquired from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. But he’s been a perfect fit for their pesky style of play, and after a middling season that saw him get just 51 points in 71 games, he’s been amazing in the playoffs with 12 in 12.

As a pending unrestricted free agent, Marchand has a chance to hit the market and cash in for the first time in his career. But he’s also got a good thing going with a Panthers team that could very well give him his second Stanley Cup.

Frank Seravalli talked about the chances of Marchand re-signing with the Panthers on Daily Faceoff Live.

Frank Seravalli: I think it’s probably greater than 50%. I think they’re a team that is going to actually have some cap space for the first time. Obviously they’ve devoted some of that to Seth Jones. They’re going to have to figure out what happens with Sam Bennett.

Yes, Sam Bennett is much younger, but let’s say you find yourself in a position where Bennett just gets an offer that he can’t refuse and he walks. Brad Marchand is a pretty good insurance piece, and I think he’s one of those players that has actually really increased his value on the market.

People weren’t really sure what to make of his season. He had three surgeries last offseason, had a down year, everyone on the Bruins had a down scoring year, and you’re thinking, “All right, he arrives injured. How much of an impact is he possibly going to make for this Panthers team?” And he was lights out. He was electric in round two.

So I think anyone that is expecting, a couple things, one, Brad Marchand to go quietly, that’s never going to happen. And two, thinking that he’s gonna take some hometown discount either. There’s no affinity anymore. The Panthers have been great to him, I’m sure. The Bruins as well, but this is a guy that probably should have way more career earnings at this point, that, hey, you have to cash in as well.

So I think that Florida would make a play, and it would certainly make giving up that first round pick for him feel a lot better, but I guess if they win the Cup, it’s not going to matter anyway.

You can watch the full episode here…