Brad Marchand’s 2024–25 Season Becomes One of NHL’s Most Stunning Comebacks**
Brad Marchand’s 2024–25 NHL campaign might go down as one of the most remarkable turnaround stories in recent league history. After spending 16 seasons with the Boston Bruins, the 37-year-old veteran was unexpectedly traded at the deadline to the Florida Panthers—a move that changed the trajectory of his season and career. Once languishing with a struggling Bruins team, Marchand ended the season as a Stanley Cup champion for the second time, this time with the defending champions.
As the Panthers celebrated back-to-back Stanley Cup wins, they also began planning for the future. One major focus was securing long-term deals for three key players—Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. However, amidst the negotiations, something else captured fans’ attention.
In a photo shared by Philip Pritchard, the Hockey Hall of Fame’s official “Keeper of the Cup,” various items from Florida’s championship campaign were displayed as donations to the Hall. Helmets, gloves, jerseys, and more were shown—but eagle-eyed fans noticed a strange addition to the pile: two small cans of limited-edition Samuel Adams beer.
These weren’t just any beer cans. They were part of a special release honoring Brad Marchand. The gold and black color scheme was instantly recognizable as a nod to Marchand’s longtime former team, the Boston Bruins. Despite his mid-season exit, Marchand had been commemorated by the Boston-based brewery with a limited release called “Marchand(y),” celebrating his legacy in Boston sports.
One Panthers beat reporter humorously pointed out that this Boston-centric item, not even affiliated with the Florida Panthers, was now part of the NHL’s Hall of Fame display. The brewery had shared its tribute to Marchand on social media, stating, “Brad Marchand will forever be a Boston legend, and legends deserve legendary beer.”
Samuel Adams’ head of branding praised Marchand’s contributions to Boston, saying he represented the “heart of Boston sports.” Marchand himself echoed similar sentiments in an interview, saying, “We are Bostonians now and forever… Boston will always be a part of me.” But while his connection to the Bruins will always remain, Marchand’s present and future now belong to Florida.
At one point, rumors had begun swirling about a possible return to the Bruins, especially as Marchand remained unsigned while his new Florida teammates inked their extensions. Bruins GM Don Sweeney addressed the speculation cautiously, saying only that he had exchanged congratulatory messages with Marchand after the Stanley Cup win. He avoided making any comments about a potential reunion.
Ultimately, Marchand put those rumors to rest on the first day of free agency. He officially committed to the Florida Panthers, signing a six-year deal worth \$31.5 million. His decision was met with celebration from fans and praise from the Panthers front office.
Florida GM Bill Zito called Marchand “the definition of a warrior,” and emphasized the leadership and tenacity he brought to the locker room. Meanwhile, Sam Bennett, who led the playoffs with 15 goals and won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the postseason’s MVP, was even more direct in his praise. He stated that the Panthers likely would not have won the Stanley Cup without Marchand’s presence on the roster.
Though the beer cans may have symbolized his past in Boston, Marchand’s contract extension and championship run with the Panthers firmly planted him in Florida’s future. With the team keeping its championship core intact, fans and analysts alike are already wondering what Marchand might add to the Hall of Fame collection next season.