Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand will make his season debut Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks, head coach Paul Maurice announced.
Marchand missed Florida's first two games this year while recovering from offseason surgery that repaired a lingering injury from the 2025-26 campaign.
"He's a really, really effective player, and he's creative," Maurice said. "He creates from the chaos that he causes. He can make those tight plays in traffic. Some offensive production, for sure, but it's the energy (he gives) the whole group. We're so pleased to have him back."
The 38-year-old projects to skate on the Panthers' third line with Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen. Lars Eller is expected to take Aleksander Barkov's place centering the top line. Barkov suffered a leg injury Thursday and was placed on LTIR.
"It should be a great boost with Barkov out of the lineup," Maurice said of Marchand's return.
Marchand tallied 27 goals and 27 assists in 52 contests last season. He missed the final 19 games of the campaign due to an undisclosed issue.
