Brad Marchand Directly Comments on His Future With the Panthers Moments After Winning the Cup

Interviewing with TNT reporter Jackie Redmond minutes after the final horn sounded and the traditional postgame handshakes had taken place, Marchand was asked what he was feeling after winning the Cup for the 2nd time in his career.

It's incredible, it's a feeling you can't really describe, and seeing the family and everyone up there and everyone who supported me up to this point, words can't put this into reality in how great it feels, such an incredible group.

Everybody wrote us off from the start of the playoffs, they had everybody beating us in every round but we had that fire and we knew we had something special. It's incredible to be a part of this group right now.

Marchand was asked about the buy-in and family-style culture in the Panthers' dressing room, which he fully endorsed.

We talked about it before the game, it's such an incredible culture and everyone that has come in here, it felt like we've been here longer than a few months. It's a family, guys love each other in this room. You buy into it immediately, and they embrace you. It's incredible.

Redmond then asked Marchand, who is a pending UFA, directly if he plans on returning to the Panthers next year with a new contract.

We'll see what happens here soon!

Marchand, who was acquired from the Boston Bruins at the Trade Deadline, proved to be one of the most valuable trades in recent NHL memory with 10 postseason goals, including a pair of overtime goals.