Panthers' Brad Marchand Expected to Miss Six Weeks
Florida coach Paul Maurice said Brad Marchand will be out six weeks with a lower-body injury. Marchand is expected to return to the ice in about three weeks before needing another three weeks of rehab. He was injured Tuesday against Los Angeles when he fell awkwardly into the post after a high stick from Brandt Clarke.
Florida coach Paul Maurice provided the timeline Friday, saying Brad Marchand faces six weeks out because of a lower-body issue. The plan calls for roughly three weeks before skating resumes, followed by another three weeks of rehabilitation.
Marchand was hurt in Los Angeles on Tuesday when Brandt Clarke's high stick contributed to an awkward fall into the post; Clarke received a double minor. The 38-year-old winger had just returned from offseason surgery, scoring in his debut, and Florida is also without Aleksander Barkov for 6-8 weeks.
Marchand's absence may disappoint Panthers fans and NHL viewers who tune in for star players, while the team could lean more on younger or depth forwards. If Florida struggles without him and Barkov, local interest and game-day spending could shift, though the broader impact likely remains limited to the sports community.