Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Panthers' Brad Marchand Addresses NHL Punishment After Heated Incident

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Oct 20, 2025 2:56 PM ET

Brad Marchand has spoken publicly for the first time since being fined for his actions in Saturday’s heated game between the Florida Panthers and Buffalo Sabres.

The 37-year-old forward was fined $5,000 for unsportsmanlike conduct after tearing apart Rasmus Dahlin’s helmet during a second-period scrum. The league announced the fine Sunday for the maximum amount allowed under the collective bargaining agreement.

On Monday, Marchand admitted he let his emotions get the better of him, acknowledging he should have acted differently.

“It was either throw it or I rip it. I ripped it,” Marchand said. “Probably should have just put it down. Next time.”

Unreal sequence. Marchand/Dahlin go at it and then Brad takes his helmet to the box and rips it up #TimeToHunt #Sabrehood pic.twitter.com/AudvBGgU9i
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) October 18, 2025

The incident began when Dahlin cross-checked Marchand from behind in front of the net, a play that went uncalled.

Moments later, Marchand retaliated by dragging the Sabres captain to the ice and throwing punches before the two were separated by officials.

Marchand carried Dahlin’s helmet with him into the penalty box and proceded to tear off its straps before tossing it back onto the ice.

Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand (63) gets held back by the linesman.Timothy T. Ludwig-Imagn Images

Dahlin was forced to borrow teammate Peyton Krebs’ helmet while his own was repaired. Buffalo scored on the ensuing power play, one of two goals by Josh Doan, and went on to win 3–0.

“I actually thought I did a great job at restraining myself,” Marchand said. “Because I wanted to toss [Dahlin's helmet] into the crowd. But it might have been a little more than a fine if I did that.”

The Panthers have lost four straight, falling to 3–4–0 on the season. Marchand, who leads Florida with six points in seven games, will face the Boston Bruins on Tuesday in his first game back at TD Garden since being traded in March.

“It’s going to be weird,” Marchand said about his imminent return to Boston. “I think there’s going to be a lot of different emotions.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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