Brad Marchand stepped into the Florida Panthers lineup Sunday and delivered the late goal they needed, knocking in a rebound with 1:50 left in regulation to force overtime against the Anaheim Ducks. Florida ultimately fell 3-2, but the veteran winger’s first game of the season produced a point and an early reminder of what he can bring to a club adjusting to a major injury absence.
With Jacob Markstrom on the bench for an extra attacker, Marchand found the loose puck in front and tied the game. It was his first appearance after missing Florida’s opening two games while recovering from offseason surgery for an undisclosed issue.
Quick facts
- Marchand scored in his season debut as Florida lost 3-2 in overtime to Anaheim.
- He logged 13:10, fired three shots and finished plus-1.
- Marchand skated with Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart.
- Florida is 1-0-2 through three games.
- Captain Aleksander Barkov has been placed on long-term injured reserve with a lower-body injury.
Marchand, 38, said his recovery moved more quickly than anticipated, but the first shift back was still a sharp adjustment. He had not played a game in nearly six months and had been skating for roughly one month before returning.
“The pace and physical level of the game picked up at certain points,” Marchand said. “It was great to get back out there, though. My timing and conditioning will need some work, but it was incredible to be part of the group again.”
His last Florida game before Sunday came March 6. He posted 27 goals and 27 assists in 52 games last season, though a lower-body injury cost him substantial time. The Panthers missed the Stanley Cup Playoffs after winning the Cup in both 2024 and 2025.
Marchand’s new unit with Tkachuk and Reinhart had a few looks against Anaheim, and he sees plenty of runway for the line once he catches up physically. He said both teammates are high-end players, but acknowledged that his return process has put the trio in an early adjustment phase.
“There is definitely potential there,” Marchand said. “They know I’m coming back after a long time away, so my speed and timing are not where they need to be yet. We are working through it together. Once I get up to pace, it can become a really good line.”
Coach Paul Maurice saw enough in the debut to believe Marchand is close to full form. Every touch seemed to create a moment, Maurice said, pointing to Marchand’s competitiveness and the chemistry that should grow as Tkachuk and Reinhart become more familiar with his tendencies.
The Panthers are also bracing for time without Barkov. The captain was placed on LTIR one day before Marchand’s return and must miss at least 10 games and 24 days under the designation. Barkov is scheduled to see a doctor Monday to determine the severity of the lower-body injury.
Barkov was hurt Thursday during Florida’s 4-3 overtime loss in San Jose. He went down while battling for the puck in the right corner during a power play at 8:07 of the second period, then headed straight off after getting to his feet, dropping his gloves as he walked toward the dressing room.
Marchand has dealt with major recovery periods before, including sports-hernia surgery after the 2023-24 season and hip surgery following 2021-22. His return gives Florida another proven finishing option as it navigates the opening stretch without its captain.
“The group in here is incredible,” Marchand said. “We have only been together for a week, but it has already been a lot of fun. There will be ups and downs in this league, and we have had some already. We’ll go through them, and hopefully it makes us stronger.”
