Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Brad Marchand's Six-Year Contract in Florida Deeply Analyzed by Insiders

Originally posted on House of Hockey | By Tom Banks | Last updated Aug 17, 2025 2:41 PM ET

Brad Marchand signed a controversial six-year deal this off-season, and now top NHL analysts have opened up on the business done by Panthers GM Bill Zito.

Brad Marchand's future was a key talking point coming into this summer, and even after winning the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, many believed that there was a chance he would walk away in free agency.

However, he made the emphatic decision early in free agency to re-sign with the Panthers, inking a six-year deal to remain in Florida despite being just a few years away from 40.

Panthers deal for Brad Marchand highly scrutinized

As a result, there was plenty of scrutiny around the deal, with many fans and analysts on social media immediately reacting with anger and frustration that the Panthers got another good deal to go their way.

Now, analysts Michael Russo and Jason Gregor have discussed the deal on the Daily Faceoff Rundown , and unsurprisingly, they were nothing but complimentary of GM Bill Zito for being able to get this deal done.

They kept the entire gang together and a little bit of head scratching, maybe on some of the term of those contracts, like Brad Marchand, hell of a guy, but Brad Marchand, six-year deal like, great for him, but for Florida Panthers.

Sure, there's a great chance that Marchand doesn't see this deal out as a Panther, but given what he brings to the table right now, that risk was worth it for the organization as they look to cash in and create a dynasty.

Ultimately, there's a chance it may blow up and effect them negatively in the last few years of the deal, but if Marchand can be anywhere near the player he was for them in their Stanley Cup run over the next 3-4 years, it was a deal worth signing.

This article first appeared on House of Hockey and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: