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Brad Marchand Sends Clear Message to Panthers GM Bill Zito After Stanley Cup Win

Originally posted on Blade of Steel | By Jack Sutherland | Last updated Jun 20, 2025 2:09 PM ET

Panthers forward and pending UFA Brad Marchand has sent a clear message to general manager Bill Zito about his future with the team after their Stanley Cup win.

The acquisition of Brad Marchand by the Florida Panthers from the divisional foe Boston Bruins is already being considered one of the greatest Trade Deadline acquisitions in recent NHL memory.

Marchand scored 10 goals for the Panthers during their run to their second straight Stanley Cup win, including 6 goals alone in the Stanley Cup Final series against the Edmonton Oilers.

Among Marchand's goals in the Cup Final was the 2OT GWG in Game 2 on a partial breakaway against Edmonton's Stuart Skinner.

Marchand, who is a pending UFA, could command an AAV (average annual value) as much as $8 million or potentially even more on the open market thanks to his incredible performance in the postseason.

But based on this latest video, it looks like he could be staying put with the club he just helped achieve hockey's ultimate glory.

While serving Dairy Queen Blizzards, which has become his own signature dessert preference, at a local Sunrise Dairy Queen outlet, Marchand was interviewed and had a message for Panthers general manager Bill Zito:

Give me a contract!

Marchand has been linked to a handful of teams, including the Toronto Maple Leafs, who he helped defeat in the postseason for the 5th time in his NHL career; the first four times were with the Bruins, all in 7 games.

But if his latest comments are any indication, he may very well be staying put and trying to help the Panthers achieve a 3-peat.

This article first appeared on Blade of Steel and was syndicated with permission.

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