The Florida Panthers aren’t worried about 2030. They’re too busy trying to win again in 2026.
Brad Marchand, the NHL’s most divisive agitator turned respected veteran, signed a six-year, $32 million extension to stay with the Panthers through his age-43 season. The term raised eyebrows. The cap hit didn’t. But the message was clear: Florida is all-in on winning now—consequences be damned.
In today’s NHL, that kind of mindset is a rarity. Most front offices discuss sustainability, cap flexibility, and “windows.” But Panthers GM Bill Zito is talking about something else entirely: legacy. As The Athletic’s Mark Lazerus put it, “Signing Marchand — a few months ago seen as little more than an erstwhile icon in decline — to a six-year deal is absolutely bonkers… But if they have their names on the Stanley Cup three or four (more?) times by then, who cares?”
This Is About Culture, Not Cap Hits
Marchand could’ve walked. He had the Maple Leafs circling. He had the option to cash out one last time. But he stayed in Florida—a move that says as much about the Panthers’ culture as it does about the money.
Since 2023, Florida has transformed from a punchline to a powerhouse. Three straight Stanley Cup Final appearances. Two rings. A roster full of guys willing to take slightly less to keep the band together. Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Sam Reinhart bought in. Now Marchand has, too.
It’s not about squeezing maximum value out of every contract. It’s about squeezing one more championship out of this core.
Marchand Is Built for This
Marchand isn’t the 100-point wrecking ball he was in Boston a decade ago. But he’s also not washed. In 23 playoff games this spring, he posted 10 goals and 10 assists—including six in the Final—and helped unlock 23-year-old Anton Lundell as a two-way threat.
Florida didn’t bring him back because they expected him to be elite until he was 43. They brought him back because he’s still a pain to play against, elevates in the postseason, and makes his teammates better. As The Athletic’s Sean Gentille wrote, “He’s an elite complementary piece who’s basically paid accordingly.”
Sure, six years is aggressive. But at a $5.25 million AAV, the Panthers aren’t breaking the bank. This isn’t a franchise-stalling deal. It’s a calculated risk that gets a future Hall of Famer to buy into their system long-term while still leaving room for younger talent to emerge around him.
Winning Now > Worrying Later
Critics will harp on the back end of the deal. What does Marchand look like at 40? At 42? But that’s not the point. Zito’s approach isn’t about finding the perfect contract curve. It’s about squeezing out every last drop of this historic run.
The NHL’s modern cap era hasn’t seen many true dynasties. Even the Lightning had to offload key pieces. The Blackhawks and Penguins each saw their reigns end with brutal cap gymnastics. The Panthers? They’re defying that trend by keeping everyone who matters—and getting buy-in while doing it.
Call it tax-aided, sun-fueled, or ego-driven. Call it reckless, even. But it’s working.
Bottom Line
Brad Marchand’s extension isn’t just about Brad Marchand. It’s about the belief that this core, as brash and unconventional as it is, can win a third Cup, maybe a fourth. Maybe more.
The deal might age poorly. Marchand might not play out all six years. But if Florida lifts another Cup in the next two, nobody will care.
This is what betting on greatness looks like. And Florida just went all in again.
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