If Panthers Start to Slide, a Bruins Draft Pick is Suddenly at Risk

When the Boston Bruins traded captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers at the 2025 trade deadline, the return seemed somewhat underwhelming. With options to limit the places he was willing to go, Boston was only able to pick up a conditional 2027 second-round pick. It was a good deal for the Panthers, a light return for a veteran who was key in Florida’s second Stanley Cup win.

There were, however, conditions that made the deal a potential winner for the Bruins. The pick upgraded to a 2027 first-rounder if Florida won at least two rounds in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs and Marchand played in 50% or more of the Panthers’ total postseason games.

Not only did the Panthers repeat as Cup champions, but Marchand was also a key contributor, appearing in nearly all the games. As a result, the pick became a 2027 1st instead of a 2nd.

There was a catch. It was one that few would have expected might be a factor, given how dominant the Panthers have been over the past several seasons. The pick is top-10 protected.

Why Does This Matter for the Bruins?

The Panthers are not having a solid 2025-26 season. They currently sit 20th in league standings, meaning they only need to fall two more spots before they are a bottom-ten team. What happens if this season is the start of Florida becoming a weaker team?

If Florida’s 2027 first-round selection falls in the top 10 (based on 2026-27 regular-season standings), it converts to an unprotected 2028 first-round pick instead. (There’s also a potential slide to Chicago via the Seth Jones trade, but top-10 protection is the main Bruins risk.)