BREAKING: Panthers Re-Signing Brad Marchand To Long-Term Deal

Monday, June 30, 2025
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand hoists the Stanley Cup after winning it in 2025.

The Florida Panthers have successfully re-signed veteran winger Brad Marchand to a six-year contract extension worth just under $32 million, locking in one of their key playoff contributors ahead of NHL free agency. 

The deal carries a $5.25 million average annual value, a manageable cap hit for a team that just won back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Marchand Chooses Stability Over Market Frenzy

Marchand, 37, had been heavily linked to the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Utah Mammoth as free agency loomed. Insiders like Pierre LeBrun and Darren Dreger reported that Marchand would’ve drawn major attention on the open market, with projections suggesting he could land up to $8 million per year on a short-term deal. 

But despite the buzz and the Leafs reportedly preparing a top-dollar offer, the Cup-winning forward opted to stay in Florida, prioritizing continuity and team chemistry over chasing one last payday.

Florida Finds a Way to Keep Its Core Intact

The Panthers entered the offseason with significant cap constraints after signing Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett to major extensions. With less than $5 million in projected space, many doubted GM Bill Zito could also retain Marchand. But the team managed to finalize the deal with a cap-clearing move likely coming, ensuring that their playoff hero, who tallied 20 points in 23 postseason games, remains part of the team’s core moving forward.

Marchand’s decision closes the door on what could’ve been one of the most dramatic free-agent stories of the summer. Instead, the Panthers keep a gritty, experienced top-six winger who has now won two Stanley Cups, and sits just 20 points shy of the 1,000-point milestone for his NHL career.

Photo Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

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