Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Did Brad Marchand's joke accidentally reveal his future team?

Originally posted on Blade of Steel
By Graham Montgomery | Last updated Jun 24, 2025 4:24 PM ET

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand gave us a major hint as to what he is planning for this offseason as he mentioned Sam Bennet during his speech at the end of the team's Stanley Cup parade.

Brad Marchand proved to be the most impactful trade-deadline acquisition this year as he helped the Panthers achieve their second straight Stanley Cup victory.

The 37-year-old proved to be an invaluable part of the club as he scored 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games. Even more impressively, six of those goals came in the Final.

Since the season came to an end, Marchand has made it clear that he wants to re-sign with the Panthers.

That trend continued as he hinted that he plans to re-sign with the club during a speech at the end of the Panthers Stanley Cup parade.

The veteran forward joked that he's relieved he doesn't have to worry about being knocked out by Sam Bennett anymore now that they are teammates.

Of course, Bennett is a pending free agent himself, and as such he very well could end up signing elsewhere this summer even if Marchand is able to stay in Florida.

Both Marchand and Bennett have been perfect fits for the Panthers, who have created a team identity built around toughness and getting the other team off their game through physicality and chirping.

With limited cap space, though, Bill Zito might have to find creative solutions if he wants to keep both forwards on his team for next season.

Be sure to stay tuned to see how he might pull that off, and what sacrifices might need to be made in order to get both Marchand and Bennett signed.

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

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