Brad Marchand’s season could be over as the Florida Panthers consider the best course of action for his lower-body injury. With the Panthers’ playoff hopes dwindling, the team may opt to shut him down for the remainder of the season. The two-time Stanley Cup winner and Olympic silver medalist has been managing the injury for some time.
Panthers Coach Comments on Marchand’s Condition
Florida coach Paul Maurice said Marchand has been dealing with a lower-body injury. The Panthers are currently 12 points out of a playoff spot with 19 games remaining. Maurice stated that a decision will be made on the best way to get Marchand to ‘100% full health’.
The Panthers haven’t specified the exact nature of the injury. Maurice indicated that Marchand had been managing it, with periods of rest. However, it reached a point on their recent road trip where it was no longer improving. The team is hopeful they addressed it early enough and expects to know more this week.
Marchand’s Impact on the Panthers
Despite the injury, Marchand is second on the Panthers in goals with 27. He also has 27 assists and 54 points. Marchand and Sidney Crosby are the only players aged 37 or older with at least 27 goals this season.
Florida’s Injury-Plagued Season
Marchand’s potential absence adds to the Panthers’ already significant injury woes this season. Florida lost Aleksander Barkov to torn knee ligaments during training camp. Matthew Tkachuk has missed nearly 50 games recovering from surgery last summer, and their defensive performance has declined since Seth Jones’ injury two months ago. Maurice said that the team has been dealing with injuries right from the start of training camp.
- Aleksander Barkov suffered torn knee ligaments.
- Matthew Tkachuk missed nearly 50 games.
- Seth Jones’ injury impacted defensive numbers.
Marchand previously won a Cup with Boston. He was then traded to Florida last spring and helped the Panthers win their second consecutive title. He’s currently in the first year of a six-year contract with Florida.
The Panthers will make a decision this week on how best to proceed with Marchand’s injury.