Brad Marchand’s 2024-25 NHL season with the Florida Panthers culminated in a Stanley Cup victory, but the hockey star’s wife recently humorously revealed that Tim Hortons might outrank the Cup itself on his list of priorities. The Boston Bruins veteran was traded to the Panthers during the season and quickly became a key player in their championship run, which ended triumphantly in June 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
Brad Marchand’s Transition to the Florida Panthers and Stanley Cup Triumph
After 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins, Brad Marchand was traded to the Florida Panthers late in the 2024-25 NHL season. Despite this major change, Marchand rapidly adapted to his new team’s style of play and played an instrumental role in the Panthers’ journey to the Stanley Cup Final. At 37 years old, he earned recognition as one of the most successful mid-season acquisitions in the sport’s history.
The Stanley Cup finals took place in June 2025 at the Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, where Marchand and the Panthers defeated the Edmonton Oilers in game six. The victory was a crowning achievement in his distinguished NHL career.
Tim Hortons and the Stanley Cup: What Comes First?
Despite the historic win, Brad Marchand’s wife, Katrina Marchand, shared a lighthearted moment revealing her husband’s amusing priorities. In a video she posted, Marchand is seen kissing the prestigious Stanley Cup before turning to kiss her. Katrina responded with the caption “At least a close second,” playfully accepting the Cup’s top spot.
However, an even more surprising revelation came when Katrina shared another clip showing Marchand stopping at a Tim Hortons drive-through, enjoying the moment with the Stanley Cup in the back of his pickup truck. In the clip, Marchand orders three medium French vanilla cappuccinos with a shot of espresso, underscoring his affection for the popular Canadian coffee chain.
Not even a Cup Party could get this guy to pass up a Timmy’s run,
she wrote, highlighting how seriously he takes his Tim Hortons cravings.
And I need three medium, French vanilla cappuccinos with a shot of espresso,
Marchand said in the clip. —Katrina Marchand, Wife of Brad Marchand
While the sequence of priorities might seem to place Tim Hortons and the Stanley Cup above Katrina, the couple’s playful exchange masks a deep bond. Marchand has often exhibited how much he values his family throughout his career highs and lows.
Balancing Career Sacrifices and Family Support During the Stanley Cup Run
Despite the excitement surrounding the playoffs, Marchand acknowledged the emotional challenges of spending long stretches away from his family during the season. After Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Final, he shared,
It’s a sacrifice to be away from them,
—Brad Marchand, NHL Forward
This period was difficult for Marchand not only because of the physical demands of the games but also due to the emotional strain of separation from his wife Katrina and their three young children: Rue, Sawyer, and Sloan.
In an endearing show of support, just before the decisive Game 6, Marchand’s children recorded a heartfelt good luck message for their father. Their voices were uploaded by Katrina Marchand on Instagram, capturing a tender family moment shared with fans.
Hi, Daddy, it’s me, Rue Rue. Hey, Daddy, it’s Sawyer. Hey Papa, it’s Sloane. Congratulations on getting to the Stanley Cup Finals,
they said in unison. —Katrina Marchand, via Instagram
Unwavering Family Pride Amid Championship Celebration
The children also delivered encouraging words that reflected their pride regardless of the game’s outcome. Sawyer expressed,
No matter what happens in the game, we’re so proud of you. You still got us, and we got you,
while Sloan added,
Just know we’re all very proud of you over here,
reinforcing the family’s strong support. These messages underscored the personal side of Marchand’s high-pressure professional life.
When the Florida Panthers sealed the Stanley Cup victory in Game 6, Brad Marchand celebrated with his teammates on the ice, while Katrina and their children cheered from the stands. The family’s collective joy illustrated the significant role they play in Marchand’s life and motivation.
Despite joking about whether Tim Hortons or the Stanley Cup holds a higher place in Brad Marchand’s heart, it is clear that his wife and children remain central to him. The veteran hockey star frequently includes his family in crucial moments, demonstrating their importance beyond the rink.
Evaluating Brad Marchand’s Impact as a Mid-Season Transfer
Marchand’s move from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers sparked debate over whether he stands as the greatest deadline transfer in NHL history or if his success was largely due to fitting perfectly with the Panthers’ lineup. Either way, his performance undeniably contributed significantly to the team’s championship run.
His fast adaptation and ability to elevate the Panthers’ play style helped seal their first Stanley Cup victory in franchise history. The trade transformed Marchand’s trajectory, redrawing his legacy as a veteran who delivered when it counted most.
A Public Celebration and the Road Ahead for Brad Marchand
Following the Stanley Cup win, celebrations spilled over into the streets of Fort Lauderdale during the Panthers’ championship parade and rally on June 22, 2025. Marchand shared these memorable moments with fans and family alike, further cementing the milestone in his career.
As for what comes next, Marchand and the Florida Panthers will likely focus on maintaining their momentum, defending the Stanley Cup in the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Marchand’s family-related moments reveal a man who balances intense professional demands with a warm and supportive home life.