In the wake of a key forward loss, another has returned for the Florida Panthers.
Brad Marchand made his season debut Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks, and scored a late equalizer before the Panthers fell 3-2 in overtime.
Marchand had not played since early March, when he was shut down for the season. He revealed in August that he underwent surgery after being dogged by a lower-body issue for much of last season. Florida’s hopes of contending for what would have been a third consecutive Stanley Cup last season were derailed by injuries throughout the lineup.
The 38-year-old’s return — earlier than expected after the team initially said he’d rehab through October — came days after captain Aleksander Barkov was placed on long-term injured reserve with a leg injury.
Marchand missed a career-high 30 games last season. Still, he remained effective with 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points in 52 games he did suit up.
–with files from The Associated Press