Brad Marchand to Consider New Panthers Contract in FA, Focused on Stanley Cup Final

Brad Marchand revealed that he's open to re-signing with the Florida Panthers in free agency, but won't make any decision before the end of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final.

"Yeah, I've thought about it," Marchand said, per ESPN's Greg Wyshynski. "But we'll deal with that in the future."

The 37-year-old is playing on the final season of an eight-year contract extension worth $49 million that he signed in Sept. 2016.

Marchand opened his 2024-25 campaign with the Boston Bruins, although his 16th year as a member of the organization was cut short when he was traded to the Panthers in exchange for a future first-round draft pick on March 7.

The left wing recorded 23 goals and 28 assists in 71 combined games with Boston and Florida during the regular season.

Marchand has stepped up for the Panthers throughout their quest to win the Stanley Cup for a second consecutive year, racking up 17 points in 19 playoff games.

This included a breakaway goal in double overtime that gave Florida a 5-4 win over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.

Marchand indicated that teams playing in locations with no state income taxes, such as Florida, could affect his mindset when he approaches free agency.

"There are teams where that absolutely matters," Marchand said, via Wyshynski. "It doesn't matter for every player, but when you're dealing with guys that have a choice between multiple teams, it absolutely plays a part. If you have two teams that are offering the same contract, you're going to pick the team with less tax."

The veteran may return to the Panthers in free agency, but he's currently focused on helping them pulled ahead in their series with the Oilers that's tied 1-1 through two games.