Florida Panthers veteran forward Brad Marchand continues to make a compelling argument for the Hockey Hall of Fame.
This 37-year-old, two-time Stanley Cup winner reached quite the prestigious milestone when, back in April 2024, Marchand, who at that time was captain of the Boston Bruins, made franchise history when, at PNC Arena, the forward affectionately known as ‘Little Ball of Hate,’ became at 2:12 into regulation, the fifth Bruin to reach the 400 goal mark which came during a 4-1 Bruins win against the Carolina Hurricanes.
Marchand’s 16-year tenure as a Bruin came to an end when, on March 7, 2025, which incidentally was the NHL’s trade deadline, he was dealt to the Florida Panthers, where this past November 13th, this former 2006 71st Bruins draft choice took a giant step towards the Hall of Fame by reaching the 1,000-point list, which came during a 6-3 win at Amerant Bank Arena against the Washington Capitals.
Throughout the game, Marchand played like he was on a mission as he recorded two assists and a shot on goal in 19:04 of ice-time, with the monumental 1,000th point coming with 90 seconds remaining in regulation when he drew an assist on a Panthers goal from Eetu Luostarinen with his third of the season.
“He’s been so prolific over his career,” Panthers coach Paul Maurice said. “And it’s good for him to kind of have this experience at home. I think that’s really nice that he gets to have the fans appreciate it, celebrate it with him. It’s great.”
Marchand, who scored 976 points as a Bruin, is the 102nd NHLer to hit the 1,000-point plateau.
Brad Marchand Emerging as a Hall of Fame Candidate
Former Bruin Marchand Feels the Love of Panthers Fans
Marchand couldn’t control his emotions when on October 21st, during a Panthers 4-3 win against the Bruins, the TD Garden faithful showered this former beloved Bruin with countless ovations, which, including the video tribute, reduced the veteran to tears.
“I knew it was going to hit me the way it did. It was extremely touching,” Marchand, who had two assists in the game said. “The Bruins will always hold a very, very dear place in my heart.”
Marchand, who in September 2003 was named Bruins captain, represented the final player left on the 2011 Bruins Stanley Cup-winning team.
During warm-ups in his October return to TD Garden, fans gave Marchand a standing ovation while displaying all sorts of supportive signs for this once-popular Bruin.
A few months after being traded at the deadline to the defending Stanley Cup champions Panthers, Marchand would have a playoff to remember as he produced 20 points (10 goals, 10 assists) and 58 PIMs in 23 games to play a pivotal role in Florida repeating.
On this October evening, the tears rolling down on Marchand’s cheeks showed just how much he loved playing for Boston and the love he has for the fans.
Marchand a True Hall of Famer Off the Ice
Throughout his career, Marchand has built a reputation of toeing the line and at times playing a little dirty. However, away from the rink Marchand proved recently that he has a heart of gold and will do anything for a friend.
Back in October, Marchand didn’t even hesitate in taking time off from the Panthers and travelled back home to Halifax in order to help out a friend JP MacCallum whose 10 year-old daughter Selah Panacci-MacCallum passed away from cancer.
Marchand stepped in as guest coach for the U18 March and Mill Co. Hunters for a fundraising game at the Halifax Forum against the Halifax Macs.
This event also includes various fundraisers with proceeds going to the MacCallum family.
Prior to Marchand’s coaching debut he wrote on social media.
“Please join us in celebrating an amazing night at the rink made possible by the ongoing giving nature of a 10 year-old girl that loved the game with all her (heart).”
Marchand might not end up making the Hockey Hall of Fame but one thing is for certain and that’s the fact that he has proven to be a Hall of Fame person.
Main Image: Darren Yamashita-Imagn Images
