UFA Emerging For Panthers To Replace Injured Marchand, Barkov

The Florida Panthers won't have any further info on the status or timeline of Brad Marchand probably until later into Thursday, per reports. But with Marchand joining Sasha Barkov on the sidelines for an extended period of time, George Richards writes in Florida Hockey Now that there is one particular replacement on the free agent market whose name will start to pick up steam in Panthers circles.

There are still some big names out on the NHL free agency market, most notably old friend Vladimir Tarasenko. There were rumblings as late as last week that the Panthers and Tarasenko may have mutual interest, only at the time, the Panthers had no cap space. 

Now, they do.

Tarasenko won a Stanley Cup with Florida in 2024, after they'd acquired him at the trade deadline that year. He played a significant role, registering 14 points in 19 games down the stretch, then scored another five goals with nine points during the playoff run. 

But the now-34-year-old left in free agency that summer, signing a two-year deal with the Detroit Red Wings. The former six-time 30-goal scorer played one disappointing year in Detroit, with just 11 goals and 33 points in 80 games. He was traded to the Minnesota Wild and had a renaissance year in 2025-26, scoring 23 goals with 47 points. 

UFA Tarasenko a familiar face to Panthers, & is a strong option to be brought in as injury relief

Bringing the familiar face back now could help a depleted forward corps for the Panthers. And they won't have to look far to find him. 

Tarasenko lives in South Florida, and worked out with the team during their informal practices during the summer. Richards concludes that "It would not be out of the realm of possibility to see Tarasenko with the Panthers by the time the Wild get here for Saturday’s home opener."