Sam Bennett Reveals Brad Marchand’s First Text in Panthers’ Group Chat

Brad Marchand is officially a Florida Panther after spending his entire 16-year NHL career with the Boston Bruins. When contract extension talks fell through, Boston began exploring trade options, ultimately agreeing on a deal with the Panthers just before Friday’s NHL trade deadline.

Marchand met with the media in Fort Lauderdale on Monday before the team, coincidentally, traveled to Boston to face the Bruins on Tuesday.

“I’ve had an incredible run in that organization, and I’m extremely proud. Just how things went there, sorry,” Marchand said as he got emotional. “It was very disappointing that things didn’t get done, just because, obviously, I love the organization. I wanted to stay there. But, at the end of the day, I also know that business is a business, and every player has a shelf life.

“And regardless if that’s when we want it to be or not, sometimes there’s things out of our control that dictate situations. If we were in the playoffs at the point in time, we’d probably be having a much different conversation.”

Meanwhile, Panthers center Sam Bennett spoke to the media afterward and shared a behind-the-scenes moment—Marchand’s first text message in the team group chat after the trade.

“As soon as we added him in the group chat, he was chirping,” Bennett said. “His first message was a chirp. Right away. You love that. It breaks the ice. That’s just who he is, and we’re excited to have that personality here.”

Note: Click right for Bennett’s clip.

Bennett and Marchand have built a rivalry over the past few years. One standout moment came during last season’s Stanley Cup playoffs when Bennett inadvertently caught Marchand in the jaw, forcing him to miss Games 4 and 5 of the series.

Now, the two are officially teammates after briefly sharing a line for Canada at February’s 4 Nations Face-Off. Marchand is currently out on injured reserve with an upper-body injury and isn’t expected to make his Panthers debut for a few more weeks. But he has started embracing his newfound identity.

Brad Marchand is slowly settling into the Panthers squad

As reality has set in, Marchand said he’s excited to be a part of a team that looks set for a championship run. He brings more skill and experience to the defending Stanley Cup champions, who already have plenty of star veterans.

The Panthers are 40-21-3 and in first place in the Atlantic division — four points ahead of second-place Toronto. Florida has won its last six games, has outscored its opponents 20-5 during that stretch, and has given up just one goal in its past four games.

“Ultimately, we chase the Stanley Cup,” Marchand said, “and you want a chance at playing for that every single year. You never know how long you have in this league. You never know when your last day is going to be, and you want to make the most of it.

“I feel rejuvenated coming here.”

Marchand is a known leader with a somewhat brash personality. But he said he’s not looking to take over a team that already has good chemistry and plenty of leadership. But that does not mean he would change his ways.

“I just have kind of an outgoing personality,” Marchand said. “When I get in a room and games on ice, my competitiveness kind of takes over. I get a little bit vocal and emotional at times. The great thing about when you’re part of a really good group, especially in the hockey culture, is guys don’t take things personally.”

Meanwhile, the Panthers are also giving Marchand the space he needs after such a monumental trade.

“It’s not just your average trade,” coach Paul Maurice said. “This is a player that was the fabric of the team and a storied franchise that has had very few captains over the years. This is a big, big deal. And it needs to be respected.”

The Panthers begin a six-game road trip in Boston on Tuesday. Marchand, although not playing, will travel with the team.