Reports today that the Panthers are trying to re-sign Brad Marchand

If and/or when the Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup, Brad Marchand could go down in history as the greatest trade deadline acquisition in NHL history.

Marchand has 10 goals and 20 points in 22 games this post-season and has arguably been the most clutch performer in big moments during the Panthers' 2025 Stanley Cup run. He has scored big goals in big moments and has become a huge part of this Panthers squad in such a relatively short amount of time.

If he manages to win the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, he'll become the first trade deadline acquisition to do so. Now, we're still a ways away from crowing him MVP, but the fact remains that he's been an outstanding player for the cats this post-season.

So... what's next for the former Boston Bruins captain?

A lot of folks assumed he'd return to Boston as a free agent this summer, but with the success he's had in Florida it might make more sense to stand pat, right? The problem is that with each clutch goal that Marchand puts up, he's driving up his price tag on the open market and that the Panthers may not be able to sign him.

Today, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman revealed that, even with the Stanley Cup right there in front of them, the Panthers are attempting to re-sign Marchand. The problem, again, is that Marchand could command too large of a contract for them. Friedman reports today that Marchand would have "to take a significant haircut" if he wants to remain in Florida beyond this week.

I imagine that Panthers GM Bill Zito has his focus on re-signing pending free agent Sam Bennett, but that Marchand is also on his radar.

Frankly, the makeup of this team changes so much if both Bennett and Marchand leave, so I imagine that Zito will do everything he possibly can to get both of them under contract.

So... what's a fair deal for the NHL's biggest rat?

Oh, and just to clarify I meant Marchand... I realize that that term of endearment could be used for either Marchand or Bennett.