Brad Marchand Speaks Out About Free Agency Future with Panthers originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand is nearing the end of his contract, but the 37-year-old winger isn’t ready to think too much about what comes next.

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The veteran remains focused on helping the Panthers capture their second straight Stanley Cup, even as questions swirl around his pending unrestricted free agency.

Marchand will become a free agent on July 1 if he doesn’t agree to a new deal with the Panthers between the end of the finals and that date. He’s about to complete an eight-year, $49 million deal.

The winger told ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski on Sunday that while he has considered his future, including a possible return to Florida, his attention is firmly on the current playoff run.

“Yeah, I’ve thought about it,” Marchand said. “But we’ll deal with that in the future.”

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The Panthers acquired Marchand from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round pick.

Since the move, he has produced 17 points in 19 playoff games and delivered two overtime winners, including a double-overtime goal in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers.

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) skates during warm-up before Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand (63) skates during warm-up before Game 5 against the Toronto Maple Leafs.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

Florida enters the offseason with roughly $19 million in projected cap space, though several players, including Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett, also need new contracts.

According to fellow ESPN reporter Emily Kaplan, the Bruins are not expected to pursue a reunion.

“From talking to sources around the league, it is likely that he is going to test the open market,” Kaplan said. “The Panthers do remain in play, but several other teams do, too.

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“A return to the Boston Bruins — that door remains closed for now.”

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final is set for 8 p.m. ET Monday in Florida. The game will be televised on TNT.

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Related: Oilers’ Corey Perry Sends ‘Tough’ Message After 2OT Loss to Panthers

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.