Brad Marchand is getting closer to his debut with the Florida Panthers.
Coach Paul Maurice announced on Wednesday that the team is aiming for Marchand`s first game to be this Friday against Utah. This would mark the 36-year-old`s first appearance in red and gold.
Maurice mentioned that Marchand is scheduled to fully participate in Thursday`s practice, after which a final decision will be made.
Marchand, who has been sidelined since March 4 due to an upper-body injury, was acquired by Florida just before the NHL trade deadline. The Panthers traded a conditional 2027 second-round pick to get him. This season, the winger has scored 21 goals and accumulated 47 points in 61 games.
A four-time all-star and Stanley Cup winner, Marchand practiced on Wednesday on the Panthers` second line, alongside Tomas Nosek and Mackie Samoskevich.
The Florida Panthers are currently tied for the top spot in the Atlantic Division with the Toronto Maple Leafs, both teams holding 89 points.
