“Florida welcomed me like family”: Brad Marchand’s controversial move to Florida Panthers leaves Boston Bruins fans heartbroken (Image via Getty) This one fans did not anticipate. NHL veteran Brad Marchand stunned the hockey world with a significant career change on June 24, 2025. Just before the playoffs, the Florida Panthers received long-time Boston Bruins star. Fans were incredulous about what came next. In just a few weeks, Marchand helped Florida lift the Stanley Cup, ending a title wait that had lasted over a decade. But how did it all happen?
Brad Marchand traded to Florida Panthers and leads team to Stanley Cup win
NHL sources confirmed on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, that Brad Marchand, 36, had formally gone from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers. During a live press conference, both sides unveiled the agreement. This move surprised fans and experts alike, as Marchand had spent all 15 seasons with the Bruins and was their captain.Marchand joined the Panthers just as the NHL playoffs began. He immediately brought leadership, energy, and experience to the team. Many fans didn’t expect much from Florida after their tough regular season, but Marchand helped change everything. In the playoffs, he scored five goals and had eight assists.Marchand helped the game-winning goal in overtime in Game 6 on June 22, 2025, held at Amerant Bank Arena in Sunrise, Florida, as the Florida Panthers went on a terrific playoff run and faced the Edmonton Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final. Ending a 14-year dry, it was Florida’s first Stanley Cup victory since 2011.
Brad Marchand says winning with Florida was a dream he never saw coming
Speaking with reporters from NHL Network and ESPN after the last game, Brad Marchand addressed his fresh club and the significant victory. “This was never in my plans, but it’s one of the best moments of my life,” he said. “I didn’t think I’d leave Boston, but Florida welcomed me like family.”Marchand also said it felt good to help a team that hadn’t won in so long. “You could feel the hunger in the locker room. We wanted this for each other,” he added.The Florida Panthers celebrated with fans the next day, holding a parade in downtown Fort Lauderdale. Marchand was at the front, holding the Stanley Cup high.Also Read: Did Brad Marchand Just Confirm His Florida Panthers Return With A Joke About Sam Bennett?Fans online have called this one of the greatest late-season trades in hockey. Many praised Marchand for proving people wrong and showing he still has what it takes to win big.