General Manager Bill Zito anticipates a swift return for the veteran forward as Florida prioritizes a conservative recovery timeline to ensure long-term health for the championship contender.
The Florida Panthers are going to be without one of their veteran stars at the start of the new season.
On Wednesday, the Panthers held their annual Media Day at the War Memorial Auditorium in Fort Lauderdale, which is connected to the team’s practice facility, the Baptist Health IcePlex.
The opening act was Florida General Manager Bill Zito, and one of the first things he was asked about was the health status of forward Brad Marchand.
Over the summer, Marchand revealed that he had a procedure done that he said would keep him off the ice at least in the short term.
While he’s been working on his recovery, there has not been an official timetable set for when he could be ready for game action.
Zito’s answer was a positive one.
“I anticipate Marchy back early in the season,” Zito said.
Marchand, 38, will be playing in his 18th NHL season and his second full year with the Panthers after being acquired at the 2025 Trade Deadline.
He racked up 27 goals and 54 points in 52 games last season before shutting things down due to injury.
“I would say that we’re going to be very conservative with bringing him back,” Zito said.
Outside of Marchand, the Panthers are expected to enter the season fully healthy. It’s a stark contrast from last season, when injuries decimated Florida’s hopes of defending their back-to-back championships.
Training camp officials begins Thursday morning.
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Photo caption: Feb 27, 2026; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers left wingBradMarchand(63) looks on against the Buffalo Sabres during the first period at Amerant Bank Arena. (Sam Navarro-Imagn Images)
