Following back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, the Florida Panthers found an unexpected spark in star forward Brad Marchand, who delivered a pointed message to the team’s general manager Bill Zito. Just days after helping secure the championship, Marchand kept it simple when reporters asked what he wanted to say to Zito: “Give me a contract,” he said with a smile. This direct demand has captured attention as the Panthers celebrate their newfound success.
The 37-year-old winger made these remarks in Sunrise, Florida, while giving back to the local community by serving Blizzards at a Dairy Queen, adding warmth to his already growing reputation off the ice. Marchand’s enthusiasm about his time in Florida was evident as he expressed deep appreciation for the fan base and his newfound sense of belonging in the state.
Adjusting to Florida: Marchand’s Three-Month Journey with the Panthers
Marchand’s tenure with the Panthers began on March 7th after being traded from the Boston Bruins following 16 seasons with the team. In exchange, Boston acquired a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft, signaling the beginning of their rebuild. Marchand brought more than just skill; he arrived with a strong personality and quickly made his mark by tallying 20 playoff points for Florida.
Missing the first three weeks with the Panthers, Marchand only made his debut on March 28th against the Utah Mammoth. He immediately contributed by registering a point, signaling the impact he would have. While his regular season with Florida saw modest numbers—three points across ten games—his playoff performance was standout. In 23 postseason contests, Marchand scored ten goals and assisted on ten others, highlighting his critical contribution to the team’s run.
In the Stanley Cup Finals, Marchand excelled further, netting six goals in just six games. Notably, he recorded two separate two-goal games, including the decisive game-winning goal in Game 2, which secured Florida’s first victory in the series. His efforts put him in the conversation for the Conn Smythe Trophy, awarded to the playoffs’ most valuable player.
Marchand’s Celebratory Antics Reflect Championship Euphoria
Since clinching the Stanley Cup, Marchand has become as notable for his off-ice celebrations as for his on-ice prowess. Early on, he took to sharing his gratitude publicly by thanking all organizations that contributed to assembling the Panthers’ winning roster. However, when Marchand neglected to mention the Boston Bruins, his new teammates stepped in to show appreciation for his former club. Matthew Tkachuk, Sam Reinhart, Niko Mikkola, and Aleksander Barkov used social media to express thanks to @NHLBruins, displaying camaraderie within the team.
The celebrations escalated with Marchand being seen crowd surfing through one of Miami’s iconic nightclubs, E11EVEN, while holding the Stanley Cup. This moment captured the joy and energy of the championship run perfectly.
As for Marchand, he once again managed to marry the euphoria of championship success with elite-level trolling: Crowd-surfing with the Stanley Cup while the DJ played a remix of Pink Pony Club,
—Greg Wyshynski, ESPN
Marchand Embraces Florida as Home Amid Rising Hockey Passion
Marchand’s connection with Florida deepened as he reflected on the growing love for hockey within the state. Despite its previous reputation as a non-traditional hockey city, the winger has witnessed firsthand the passion and support from Florida fans during the championship celebrations. He described the experience as reminiscent of his childhood, emphasizing a strong emotional bond.
It’s been incredible the last couple days, but I think this tops it all off,
—Brad Marchand, Miami Herald
It legit brings me back to my childhood, and it’s been an incredible few days. So much love down here in Florida. There’s always been a lot of talk about it not being a hockey city, but it’s pretty evident that there’s so much love down here for the game of hockey, and it’s pretty incredible to be part of it.
—Brad Marchand, Miami Herald
He concluded,
“I feel like I’m home. I am home, aren’t I?”
affirming his commitment to the Panthers and his new environment.
What’s Next for Marchand and the Panthers After the Championship
Brad Marchand’s emphatic contract demand signals that he is eager to remain a Panther beyond this victorious season, potentially anchoring Florida’s roster for years to come. His outstanding playoff performance and chemistry with key players like Aleksander Barkov and Matthew Tkachuk have helped establish the Panthers as a rising contender in the NHL. As the team looks ahead, securing Marchand’s future appears to be a priority for the management.
With such momentum, the Florida Panthers are poised to build on this historic success, deepening their fan base and elevating hockey’s profile in the region. Marchand’s enthusiasm and clear connection to the community suggest that his presence will continue to energize both the locker room and the fans as the franchise moves into the next chapter.