Brad Marchand hasn’t even unpacked his bags in Florida, but he’s already stirring things up in the Panthers’ locker room – in the best possible way.
The former Bruins star wasted no time getting under Sam Bennett’s skin, playfully chirping his Team Canada teammate the moment he walked through the door.
“It’s pretty wild to think about,” one Panthers insider noted. “A year ago, Marchand in a Panthers jersey would’ve seemed impossible.”
The trade deadline addition brings more than just skill to Florida. He’s known league-wide for his unique ability to both annoy opponents and light up a locker room.
Head Coach Paul Maurice couldn’t help but crack a joke about his newly energized team.
“I’ve got a room full of guys who think they’re comedians now,” Maurice said with a grin. “And Marchand might be the worst influence of them all.”
The chemistry is already obvious. What used to be a heated rivalry between Boston and Florida has transformed into something entirely different, with Marchand’s personality fitting right in with the Panthers’ already colorful cast of characters.
It’s exactly the kind of spark the Panthers were hoping for when they made the bold move at the deadline.
“The guys can’t stop laughing,” one team staffer shared. “It’s like adding the class clown to a room that was already pretty entertaining.”
For a team with championship aspirations, having this kind of positive energy in the locker room could be just as valuable as what Marchand brings on the ice.
