Can Brad Marchand overcome injury concerns before Florida Panthers begin their NHL title defence

The Florida Panthers will open the 2026-27 NHL season with Brad Marchand as the veteran forward continues to recover from surgery in August. On Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026, when the team opened training camp in Fort Lauderdale, general manager Bill Zito confirmed the news.Marchand has been dealing with injury issues with his hip and sports hernia for months now. Reports indicate the Panthers are taking a cautious approach and not rushing the 38-year-old forward back into competitive action, although he has returned to skating. His return still figures to be a key storyline heading into Florida’s opener against the Carolina Hurricanes.Will Brad Marchand return soon for Florida Panthers NHL games?The Florida Panthers have not given a date for Brad Marchand’s return, but he is expected to be back early in the 2026-27 NHL season. Team general manager Bill Zito said the team will take a cautious approach with the forward’s recovery.The Florida Panthers kicked off training camp with players arriving for physicals and preparing for the upcoming season. One of the biggest developments was the lack of Marchand, considering how important the forward is to the team's forward group.They are not going to do anything reckless regarding Marchand coming back, Zito said. The general manager said he was optimistic the player would return eventually, but no timetable was provided.Florida opens the regular season against the Carolina Hurricanes on September 29. The Panthers will kick off their home schedule on Oct. 10 against the Minnesota Wild.Marchand has been out for a long stretch with injuries and is now in the midst of a recovery. The forward is said to have been struggling with his hip and sports hernia issues since December 2025, when he was playing very well for the Panthers.Marchand said in a video that rehab without surgery didn’t work, and the decision was ultimately made to have the surgery. And the situation has made his return timetable a talking point among Panthers fans.How Brad Marchand’s absence affects Florida Panthers lineupThe early absence of Brad Marchand may test the depth at forward for the Florida Panthers. Prior to his injury troubles becoming more serious, he was an important part of the team’s offensive production, chipping in 23 goals and 55 points.Other forwards will need to pick up his minutes and scoring duties for Florida during the opening stretch. The situation also presents an opportunity for younger players and supporting forwards to move into larger roles.Very conservative on bringing Marchand back, Bill Zito said of the Panthers. He also said the situation was not a big concern from his perspective.The comments imply a measured rehabilitation process, but do not specify a confirmed return date. Marchand’s reported skating is promising, but skating is not an indicator of NHL readiness.Florida Panthers prepare for NHL season without veteran forwardThe Panthers’ preseason schedule begins on Sunday against the Carolina Hurricanes with three more exhibition games after that. These games could be an opportunity to evaluate the forwards without Marchand.Brad Marchand news: He’s expected to miss the start of the season, with the Florida Panthers hoping to get him back at some point early in the year, but not wanting to rush the veteran forward.Get the latest Sports News and Live updates. Download the TOI app.