NHL16 hr ago
Marchand Targets Return Within Six Weeks
Panthers forward progressing in knee rehab and hopes to play again soon alongside captain Barkov.
· 2 min read
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Recovery Timeline
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand suffered a left knee injury early in the season but now expects to return to game action within six weeks. The 38-year-old initially feared the damage might end his season or career, yet medical checks showed the issue was far less severe. He has already started on-ice work and described himself as relieved that the layoff will last only a couple of months.
How the Injury Occurred
Marchand was hurt in a game at Los Angeles after a high stick sent him into the goal post late in the second period. His left knee bent awkwardly, and teammates helped him off the ice because he could not put weight on the leg. Captain Aleksander Barkov, who missed the entire previous season with his own knee issue and was injured again in the team's second game this season, has been training alongside Marchand as both near returns.
Contract Outlook and Team Milestone
Marchand is under contract for four more seasons after this one, giving the Panthers confidence he has plenty of hockey ahead. He joined the club via trade in March 2025 and helped secure two straight Stanley Cup titles. On Thursday he joined Barkov and general manager Bill Zito at the unveiling of a new Airbus A320 painted in team colors and named Go Cats Go, which made its first flight to Boston.
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