Brad Marchand Expected Back Early Despite Missing Opening Night

Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand will miss Opening Night due to a lower-body injury following a procedure over the summer. GM Bill Zito stated that the team will be very conservative with his recovery, but anticipates the veteran forward back early in the regular season. Marchand, 38, played 52 games last year, recording 27 goals and 54 points before shutting things down. Outside of Marchand, the Panthers enter training camp fully healthy.