When the Boston Bruins traded Brac Marchand to the Florida Panthers at the 2025 NHL trade deadline, it signaled the end of an era in Boston. The Bruins captain being moved was one thing, but to the Florida Panthers, of all teams, is another.
The return was a first-round pick, which general manager Don Sweeney used as part of a package to acquire right-wing JJ Peterka from the Utah Mammoth back in June. That officially shut the door on Marchand's tenure in Boston. Marchand went on to win the Stanley Cup in 2025 with Florida, who won their second straight Cup over the Edmonton Oilers.
Last season was a frustrating season in Florida for the Panthers and their fans, than ended with them missing the postseason. This offseason, they have loaded up through trade, including reuniting the Tkachuk brothers by acquiring Brady from the Ottawa Senators. That is looking like a bigger move than expected after it was announced that Marchand might not be ready to begin the season after undergoing surgery recently.
Former Bruins captain Brad Marchand to miss the opening of the 2026-27 season
Marchand posted on his Instagram that he will not be able to attend former teammate Zdeno Chara's ‘Last Shift’ charity game next week in Slovakia after recently undergoing surgery.
“I won’t be able to make Z’s game,’’ Marchand said. “Unfortunately, I had to have a surgery, was trying to fix a problem without surgery, but unfortunately that was unable to happen and had to kind of do it last minute. With the time and recovery I am going to need, I won’t be able to make it and play in the game, unfortunately.”
George Richards of Florida Hockey Now reported that Marchand is dealing with a hip and sports hernia injury and could be out for two months or more after having the surgery.
Losing Marchand is a big loss for Florida, but given the moves they made this offseason, they should be just fine without their veteran forward. As has been the case in past seasons, Florida isn't going to rush anyone back, as they don't care about home-ice advantage, but just about making the eight-team Eastern Conference field.
If there is one team that can survive a loss like this, it's the Panthers. They have built themselves some nice depth, and you can bet that Marchand isn't back in the lineup until he's fully recovered and ready to go. You can bet he wants to be fully healthy come next spring when the Stanley Cup Playoffs roll around.
Add us as a preferred source on Google