Brad Marchand, now in his 16th NHL season, is gearing up for what could be his final Stanley Cup Final, but instead of focusing solely on legacy or pressure, Marchand is reflecting on something deeper — chemistry.
Brad Marchand’s Unexpected Connection With Young Panthers Duo
Speaking with NHL.com, Marchand revealed that playing alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen on the Florida Panthers has reminded him of his early years with longtime Boston Bruins teammate Patrice Bergeron.
“Sometimes you just connect with guys really well,” Marchand said. “I had that with ‘Bergy.’ Day 1, Bergy and I connected really well. And that’s how I felt with [Lundell and Luostarinen].”
The Panthers’ new-look third line, built midseason with the addition of Marchand, has become one of the most consistent in the playoffs. The instant connection was clear to Marchand from the first full-team practice. “Once practice hit, when we had our full lineup, like instantly in practice we were clicking and we were making plays,” he said. “We could tell that we gelled really well. Sometimes you just find that great fit.”
Panthers have outscored opponents 11-2 at all strengths with Anton Lundell, Eetu Luostarinen & Brad Marchand on ice together in the 2025 playoffs.
— Sportsnet Stats (@SNstats) May 22, 2025
A veteran with over 1,000 NHL games, Marchand’s comparison to Bergeron, widely considered one of the most respected two-way forwards in league history, speaks volumes. Lundell and Luostarinen aren’t just holding their own; they’re thriving beside a player bordering on legendary status.
Florida goal!
Scored by Anton Lundell with 12:42 remaining in the 2nd period.
Assisted by Eetu Luostarinen and Brad Marchand.
Toronto: 0
Florida: 2#FLAvsTOR #LeafsForever #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/JlCvv1XfU6— NHL Goals (@nhl_goal_bot) May 19, 2025
Coach Paul Maurice credited Marchand’s presence beyond his skill set. “What I didn’t know … is his incredibly positive spirit,” Maurice said. He added that Marchand’s intensity comes without negativity, which has helped build confidence in the younger players. “He’s pumping their tires and he’s just like, every day excited.”
Marchand, now 37, acknowledged the rarity of this run, saying it feels different — freer and more enjoyable. After spending his entire career with Boston, the trade to Florida and a late-season injury put him on a new path. But one that, so far, has exceeded expectations.
Marchand Reflects on His Season of Change
This season has tested Marchand in ways even he didn’t anticipate. After offseason surgeries, contract uncertainty, and ultimately being traded by the Bruins, the only NHL team he’d ever known, Marchand arrived in Florida with more questions than answers.
He admits it took time to get back to form. There was physical recovery from surgeries to his elbow, groin, and abdomen, plus the emotional weight of contract talks that never materialized the way he expected.
Brad Marchand had elbow, groin, and abdominal surgery this summer, per @_TyAnderson
Marchand played through the elbow injury all of last season and sustained the other two injuries during the 2023-24 regular season. pic.twitter.com/DXhdRvNlp1
— B/R Open Ice (@BR_OpenIce) September 3, 2024
“I thought that was going to go a lot different, which obviously I think impacted me mentally this year a lot,” he said. “And I was frustrated by it. I never pictured even entering the season without a contract.”
The move to Florida also gave Marchand something rare: total focus on hockey. With his family still in Boston, Marchand had no distractions. “I just worry about what I have to do to put my best game on the ice,” he said. That focus and the structure around him helped him thrive.
Now fully integrated, he’s a key contributor for a team that reminds him of Boston’s 2011 Cup-winning group. He’s impressed with how tight-knit and selfless the Panthers are. “People undervalue how much that impacts a run,” Marchand said.
He’s embracing this new chapter, knowing it might be his last shot at a second championship. And after all the uncertainty, he’s back to just showing up, having fun, and playing the game he’s always loved.
