Brad Marchand Reveals the Unexpected Factor That Sealed His Panthers Future
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Although Brad Marchand was expected to sign elsewhere this summer, he re-signed with the Florida Panthers, and according to the veteran it was never about money.
There were a lot of rumors towards the beginning of free agency regarding the Toronto Maple Leafs and Brad Marchand, and the potential he could sign to help replace the loss of Mitch Marner.
It would have certainly brought the DNA change that Brad Treliving wanted, but it was not meant to be as he turned around and re-signed with the Panthers and will likely play out the remainder of his career in Florida.
Marchand split the season with Boston and Florida, registering 51 points in 71 games (23 goals, 28 assists) but only had four of those after being traded at the deadline.
He came in blazing for the Panthers with 20 points in 23 games (10 goals, 10 assists) during the postseason, and was a huge reason why they won their second straight Cup.
But while some players chase money, glory, or fame; for Marchand it's different.
Panthers' Core Lock-In Signals Long-Term Contender Status
In an exclusive interview with RG.org, Marchand explained that it was the loyalty and closeness exhibited by the club that made him think twice about leaving:
Bennett and E [Ekblad] coming back were huge factors in me staying.
Those guys are awesome, guys that I really vibe with well, and I really wanted to stay there. I just didn't really think it was going to be possible.
I didn't pay a ton of attention to the cap situation they were in, but I knew that we were up against it.
Those guys are awesome, guys that I really vibe with well, and I really wanted to stay there. I just didn't really think it was going to be possible.
I didn't pay a ton of attention to the cap situation they were in, but I knew that we were up against it.
It was a bit of a shocker to see Marchand eschew a bigger payday on the open market, but for a player who is coming to the end of his career, it's clear that loyalty is priority.
Although, there is something else that kept Marchand in Florida and it's the fact that while he is one of the older players in the league; the team kept him spry:
They enjoy being part of it and being part of the relationships that we build every day.
When you get to be part of an incredible organization like Florida, they make it easy to be around.
It was the youngest I have felt in a long time walking into that room, the way they do things and the way they take care of themselves in there, I felt very rejuvenated. I'm excited to be part of it for a long time.
When you get to be part of an incredible organization like Florida, they make it easy to be around.
It was the youngest I have felt in a long time walking into that room, the way they do things and the way they take care of themselves in there, I felt very rejuvenated. I'm excited to be part of it for a long time.
This signifies that the Panthers aren't messing around, and with a core locked up for a long time, there could be no end to their dynasty any time soon.
Leafs Could Learn From Florida's Approach to Player Loyalty
It seems the Maple Leafs are already taking a page out of the Panthers' playbook.
They brought back John Tavares on a very cheap deal, they showed a ton of faith in Matthew Knies' future, already have Joseph Woll locked up and their top stars are around for the next few seasons.
Plus, look how they rewarded hard work; Steven Lorentz went from PTO to a three-year extension due to his passion, grit, and loyalty.
But it's those players who come in and make a difference that should be rewarded, and if the team wants to stop looking like a revolving door of veterans then they should lock in.
Nic Roy needs to be extended long-term, same with Matias Maccelli and the team needs to trust Woll and Anthony Stolarz for the foreseeable future (Stolarz needs a new deal).
It gives players a lot more stability and mental relief to know that not only are they financially set, but that they have a defined role and mean a lot to a team. As much as money is great, being a part of something bigger and winning it all remains the top goal for all teams and players.
That's what made Brad Marchand stick around. It isn't about the money.
It's about the love of the game and the love of the group he's come to appreciate.
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