Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand made his season debut Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks.
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 pregame. "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."
Marchand scored a late game-tying goal against the Ducks to force overtime.
BRAD MARCHAND SCORES IN HIS FIRST GAME BACK 🚨 WE'VE GOT A TIE GAME 🍿 https://t.co/UndrVtXlv2
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) October 5, 2026
Ultimately, Anaheim wound up winning 3-2 in the extra period.
The 38-year-old skated on a line with Sam Reinhart and Brady Tkachuk. Reinhart moved to center in captain Aleksander Barkov's absence. 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.
