Brad Marchand is back in Boston—but this time, it’s different. The former Bruins captain, now a Florida Panther, was spotted taking the ice at TD Garden for the first time since his shocking trade. And here’s the kicker—despite being ruled week-to-week with an upper-body injury, Marchand was fully suited up and skating with Florida’s top line alongside Aleksander Barkov and Carter Verhaeghe. But will he feature in the game?

The news from the practice session was enough to send shockwaves through Bruins fans, who were already emotional about seeing Marchand in different colors. Just days ago, he spoke openly about how disappointed he was that a contract extension never materialized, admitting he had hoped to stay with the Bruins. Yet, there he was—gliding around the ice, looking sharp in a regular (non-contact) jersey instead of skating solo or rehabbing off to the side.

So, does this mean he’s playing tonight? Panthers head coach Paul Maurice had originally shut down the idea, saying Marchand would need time before making his debut. But with Marchand looking comfortable on the ice and even practicing with the team’s top unit, speculation is through the roof. Could we be in for a surprise? The mystery surrounding Marchand’s first game in a Panthers jersey got much more interesting.

Marchand settles in with Florida teammates

While his return to TD Garden was emotional, Marchand wasn’t just adjusting to a new team—he was also rejoining an old rival. At Tuesday’s skate, he was seen laughing and chatting with Panthers center Sam Bennett, a player he tangled with in last year’s playoffs.

The pair had a viral moment when the team took a photo of the two of them smiling together on the ice. Bennett posted the photo later to his Instagram story with a two-word caption that had fans abuzz:

“Couple scumbags 😂😂”

The playful shot wasn’t random—Marchand himself had jokingly called Bennett a scumbag the day before. Bennett’s questionable hit on Marchand in the second-round playoff series last year knocked him out of the lineup for two crucial games. All is forgiven now, though. The two former foes are teammates now and could make for a deadly duo for Florida down the stretch.

Marchand, notorious for his obnoxious demeanor, has already gotten comfortable in his new locker room, cracking jokes but also keeping a laser-like focus on his new mission—helping the Panthers win back-to-back Stanley Cups.

Although Marchand won’t suit up tonight against the Bruins, his presence on the ice in Florida colors was surreal. Seeing the longtime Boston legend skate around TD Garden in enemy colors was an emotional moment for fans.

Marchand himself recognized how strange it was.“We were about to hang up (on FaceTime), and I put on a Panthers hat. It was a weird feeling,” he said. But despite the bittersweet transition, he’s embracing the new challenge that lies ahead.

For Bruins fans, the true heartbreak will be when Marchand actually suits up and plays his first game against them. When that day comes, it will be more than just a game—it will be personal.