Brad Marchand Returns from Surgery, Scores First Goal in Season Debut Against Ducks

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand, who sat out since March 6, returned to the lineup on Sunday night in a 3-2 overtime loss to the Anaheim Ducks, recording his first goal since February 26. The veteran left winger played 18 shifts and logged 13:10 of ice time, contributing three shots on net. His third-period goal helped the Panthers force overtime and secure a regulation point.

Marchand, 38, had 27 goals and 54 points in his inaugural full season with Florida last year. He underwent offseason surgery and was initially expected to miss the first month. Coach Paul Maurice confirmed Marchand’s availability before the game, deploying him on the third line alongside Brady Tkachuk and Sam Reinhart.

The 38-year-old revealed in August he underwent a procedure without disclosing specifics. He struggled with a lower-body injury for much of last season, disrupting Florida’s third consecutive Stanley Cup pursuit. Marchand missed a career-high 30 games last season, performing well before being sidelined in early March as playoff elimination became clear.

During training camp in Fort Lauderdale, Marchand skated on the ice but did not participate in drills. Sunday’s decision follows Florida’s placement of center Aleksander Barkov on long-term injured reserve, where he will miss at least 10 games with a left leg injury. Sources told ESPN’s Emily Kaplan the injury is not season-ending, and Barkov’s MRI results showed no worst-case scenario.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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