Brad Marchand Scores First Goal as a Panther—And Doesn’t Miss a Chance to Chirp

Brad Marchand isn’t just known for his elite skills on the ice—he’s also one of hockey’s most accomplished trash talkers. So when the veteran forward scored his first goal as a member of the Florida Panthers on Thursday night, it came with both a big moment and a big mouth.

Marchand found the net for the first time in his NHL career wearing something other than a Boston Bruins jersey, helping the Panthers to a 4-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings. But the postgame highlight might have come in the locker room, not on the scoresheet.

Asked what he thought of Marchand’s goal, teammate Evan Rodrigues didn’t miss a beat:
“He’s a rat,” Rodrigues deadpanned. “Yeah, I wasn’t too happy.”

Sitting nearby, Marchand burst into a grin—and responded just as quickly.
“He’s not wrong,” he said. “I’ve hated him. We used to skate together in the summer, and I’ve hated him for a long time. That’s not going to change now.”

It was classic Marchand—sharp, playful, and perfectly timed. And while the jabs were clearly in good fun, the moment captured what he brings to the defending Stanley Cup champions beyond his on-ice ability: swagger, edge, and energy.

“He’s got a lot to say, and it makes it fun,” said Panthers coach Paul Maurice. “That’s part of what he brings. Especially at this point in the season, grinding through the last stretch before the playoffs, having someone like him in the room is huge.”

Marchand’s goal capped a dominant second period for Florida, where the Panthers scored three times to take control. The tally was Marchand’s 22nd of the season—but his first in a Panthers sweater since joining the team in a surprise trade deadline move from Boston.

Thursday’s crowd recognized the moment with a standing ovation, cheering the newest Panther who had once been a postseason foe.

In his first seven games with Florida, Marchand had notched two assists, including one on a Sam Bennett overtime winner in his Panthers debut. His goal Thursday came on his 15th shot since the trade.

“I’m just enjoying this journey,” Marchand said afterward. “This is such a unique experience for me. I’ve been on great teams that have done amazing things and some that fell short. What you learn is that chances like these are rare, and you’ve got to soak up every minute of it. Right now, I’m having a blast.”

With the playoffs around the corner, Marchand looks right at home—chirps and all.