Brad Marchand gets a little bit of revenge on Sam Bennett during Sunday’s Cup parade.
It was impressive to watch former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand fit in seamlessly with the Florida Panthers after having only played for 1 team across his entire National Hockey League career, even more so when you consider some of the unique challenges Marchand had to overcome to do so.
There was no love loss between Marchand and the Florida Panthers after the two had clashed on opposite sides in the Stanley Cup playoffs, with perhaps Marchand’s most notorious nemesis being Panthers forward Sam Bennett. Marchand was, quite literally, knocked out of the playoffs by Bennett just one year earlier when Bennett delivered what many felt was a deliberate sucker punch to the head of Marchand.
If you don’t know the incident I am referring to, here’s a refresher:
In spite of the seemingly difficult circumstances, Marchand would swallow his pride and perform at an exceptional level for the Panthers, even earning a number of first place votes for the Conn Smythe trophy during his incredible playoff run.
On Sunday however, during the Panthers celebratory Stanley Cup parade, Marchand would bring the incident back up while speaking in front of the crowd gathered in attendance for the Panthers Stanley Cup parade. Marchand used the opportunity to poke fun at both Bennett and the incident itself, drawing a big laugh from both his new teammates and the crowd.
“I’m so happy I don’t have to play against these guys anymore,” said Marchand. “And I’m so happy that I don’t have to worry about getting knocked out by Benny anymore.”
Brad Marchand has message for Panthers GM: ‘Give me a contract’
It appears Brad Marchand doesn’t want his time with the Florida Panthers to come to an end.
Speaking to reporters days after capturing a Stanley Cup with the Panthers, Marchand had a simple request for general manager Bill Zito on Friday.
“Give me a contract,” Marchand said with a laugh.
The 37-year-old veteran joined the Panthers at the NHL trade deadline and ended up being a crucial addition, scoring 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games.
He was serving Blizzards at a local Dairy Queen and said that it “feels like I’m home.”
Marchand isn’t the only Panthers player to declare his desire to return as teammate Sam Bennett hinted at the possibility of a contract extension being in the works.
Fresh after winning a second consecutive Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, Bennett addressed a Florida nightclub on Thursday night. Bennett told the crowd in his best impression of Leonardo DiCaprio as Jordan Belfort, “I ain’t (expletive) leaving,” as a graphic that read “8 more years” appeared on the screen behind him.
Although Bennett’s announcement led to an eruption of cheers, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Friday that no extension has been signed, but talks continue.
The Panthers head into the off-season with $19 million in cap space with Bennett, Marchand, and defenceman Aaron Ekblad headlining the list of pending free agents
Marchand’s last deal came with a $6.13-million cap hit per season. The former Boston Bruins winger is expected to get a pay raise on his next contract.
