In April 2024, for the third straight year, Brad Marchand earned the most votes as the guy opponents hate playing against but would gladly welcome as a teammate. Marchand is notorious for his ruthless hits, heated brawls, and relentless competitive fire. But if you think it’s only the players who feel this way, think again! Fans are just as invested in this reputation of his.

And that’s what was reflected in the game between the Panthers and the Bruins on Tuesday. In today’s game between the Panthers and Bruins, some Florida Panthers fans were wearing Brad Marchand jerseys. And that’s what turned many heads. Renowned Bruins reporter Lauren Campbell was on the sideline and shared the experience of talking to some of the Panthers fans who were happy with Brad Marchand on their favorite team’s roster.

Lauren Campbell wrote on X, “Talked to the two fans wearing Panthers Marchand jerseys briefly during first intermission. The fan in the end is a lifelong Panthers fan and got the jersey the day after Brad Marchand was traded.”

She also added, “He told me Marchand is a player you hate until he’s on your team. He’s very happy. He’s on the Panthers and is looking forward to his debut.” The recent game happened at the TD Garden, the Bruins’ home. The Panthers lost 3-2, with the Boston team scoring all three of their goals in the last period.

Currently, Brad Marchand is suffering an upper-body injury, which he sustained in an awkward collision with the Penguins’ Pierre-Oliver Joseph on March 1. And while many fans took to social media to voice their concern, some thought Marchand had it coming. “It’s the Karma”, wrote one fan. “He deserves that,” resonated another. You could almost call the phenomenon ‘The Duality of Brad Marchand.’ 

But as things stand, ‘The Little Ball of Hate’ is yet to make a debut in the Florida Panthers’ sweater. Since the injury, he has been on a week-to-week basis. Naturally, speculations about when Marchand will be getting some game time again are making the rounds. Thankfully, the Florida Panthers head coach had a few updates to share about his situation. 

The Panthers coach on Brad Marchand’s possible return

March 11 was very important for Brad Marchand and the Panthers team. Why? Oh, after more than a week now, Marchand hit the ice in his first practice session, and that to in at TD Garden in a Florida Panthers sweater. Talk about drama. Although he had been ruled out of an on-ice reunion with his Bruins buddies, before the matchup, Paul Maurice, head coach of the Panthers, revealed when Brad Marchand could possibly return to ice. 

Maurice said, “I don’t think anything is necessarily changed in the original diagnosis.” The Panthers coach further added, “We’re hopeful to get him back toward the end of the regular season. That was the hope.” They must be eager to launch this missile on opponents, but the time is yet to come. In the case of the Florida Panthers, they have 17 more games before going into the playoffs. 

Right now, they’re in a strong and secure position, but there’s still plenty of hockey left to play. Let’s see how the rest of the regular season unfolds for the Panthers. And buckle up because if Brad Marchand makes his return, the remaining games could get even more thrilling!