Bittersweet admission by Brad Marchand ahead of Stanley Cup Final

The Florida Panthers are back in the Stanley Cup Final for the third year in a row and can now count on the experience of veteran forward Brad Marchand to get consecutive championship wins. Marchand has been great for Florida during the playoffs, posting four goals, 14 points, and a plus-11 rating in 17 games thus far and is impatiently waiting for the Final to start against the Edmonton Oilers on Wednesday night. He knows he is lucky to be here as he was traded by the Boston Bruins on Deadline Day back on March 7.

When asked by Jackie Redmond late on Wednesday when it means to be heading back to the Stanley Cup Final for the fourth time in his career, Marchand almost looked emotional.

“It’s special,” Marchand said. “ You know, I’ve been around for a while, and you realize how few opportunities you have to be part of something like this. Just enjoying every moment, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.”

He quickly admitted that he did not envision himself becoming a Panther before he got to Florida.

“I definitely didn’t expect to be here in this jersey, but I’m very happy I am.”

This may be hard for Bruins fans to hear, though it sounds like it has been an adjustment for Marchand as well. Before his trade to the Panthers, Marchand spent the entirety of his 16-year career in Boston and was captain of the team when he was told he was on the move.

Many expected that Marchand would be a lifetime Bruin, but now, a few months later, he has the chance to win a second Stanley Cup.

Fans have to admit that Marchand’s fit in Florida has been outstanding and perhaps they will be happy for him if he gets to hoist the Cup against the Oilers.