Panthers Coach Reveals Target Date For Bruins Legend Brad Marchand’s Debut

Boston Bruins fans received an idea of when they can watch Brad Marchand in a Florida Panthers sweater.

Head coach Paul Maurice revealed Wednesday that the Panthers targeted Friday’s matchup against the Utah Hockey Club at Amerant Bank Arena for Marchand’s debut, per team reporter Jameson Olive. The 36-year-old will go through a full practice Thursday to determine if he is game-ready, but Friday is the hope for him to play.

Marchand participated in morning skate Wednesday and was on the second line with Tomáš Nosek and Mackie Samoskevich. Sam Reinhart and Sam Bennett did not practice.

Friday would mark the first time Marchand plays for the Panthers since the Bruins traded him to Florida for a conditional 2027 second-round pick. His new Florida teammates were excited to have the All-Star forward along for their Stanley Cup title defense run. The 2011 Stanley Cup champion had been sidelined since March 4 due to an upper-body injury.

Marchand’s heart still remained with Boston, but he expressed mutual excitement to play intense playoff hockey and try to win his second Stanley Cup title.