Brad Marchand’s six-year Florida Panthers deal sparks reactions from Steve Yzerman (Image Via Twitter) Finally, a late-career contract: At 37 years of age, the Florida Panther winger has signed a six-year, $31.5-million contract that will keep him in the league through the age of 43. The question being raised there, beyond the headlines: Can the modern athlete extend his prime years? Being a Red Wings general manager, Yzerman believes in this and is cherishing that ideology for his stars, Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat.
Based on Brad Marchand’s longevity, Steve Yzerman builds a plan around Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat
Steve Yzerman Addresses the Detroit Red Wings Free Agency | July 3, 2025
Brad Marchand’s contract with the Florida Panthers is no longer just money or roster talk; it is a testimony that elite players can remain effective well into their late 30s and early 40s. Scoring 20 points in 23 postseason games, Marchand was the key factor in the Panthers’ back-to-back Stanley Cups and delivered a roar of validation for this long-term commitment.For Steve Yzerman, who has been sketching Detroit’s highway to playoff relevance, Marchand’s scenario has the loud and clear message that even hated stars have huge appeal. Speaking about his core, Yzerman joked about having captain Dylan Larkin “for another 15 years.” But the philosophy behind it is building a future around players such as 28-year-old Larkin and 27-year-old Alex DeBrincat, who happen to be in their physical prime and aren’t slowing down.Larkin’s consistency-high 576 points over 734 games and nearly 20 minutes of average ice time performed well with DeBrincat, who has 517 career points, 137 since hitting the ice in Detroit. The Wings front office is probably rather confident this tandem can be counted on for a long-term run, as they continue to groom more youth stars around them.On the other hand, with the NHL about to institute an 84-game schedule, Yzerman has offered his insights into the opportunities and challenges it brings along. He praised the balance it brings to divisional rivalries, yet with another eye placed on player load management, with particular concern for veterans and fringe roster guys.Also Read: Gary Bettman talks about NHL growth, global play and future goals on the Pat McAfee ShowThe procedure of renewing Brad Marchand’s contract has sparked a new wave of conversation about athlete longevity in the NHL. For executives like Steve Yzerman, it’s a timely case study, one he’s trying to apply to the development formula of his team. With older players like Dylan Larkin and Alex DeBrincat along with emerging prospects, Detroit’s future could very well tread the path of Marchand: experienced, durable, and effective.