Brad Marchand: Embracing the Present, From Rat King to Dairy Queen Tales

SUNRISE, Fla. — Brad Marchand admits he carries some regrets. Leaving the Boston Bruins, the team that drafted him in 2006, where he won a Stanley Cup in 2011, and served as captain for the past two seasons after Patrice Bergeron`s retirement, was difficult. He had established himself there, accumulating 976 points in 1,090 games, becoming famous for his skill and infamous as one of the NHL`s premier agitators. Marchand had always hoped to be a rare one-team player in a sport where roster turnover is common.

A significant regret is not being able to properly say goodbye to the Boston fans before the NHL trade deadline.

“I got hurt before I got traded,” he explained. “The last game I played in a Bruins jersey wasn`t the ending I thought I would have with the team.”

Marchand`s final home game in Boston was a loss to the New York Islanders on February 27. His absolute last game for the Bruins was on March 3 in Pittsburgh. He was traded to the Florida Panthers on March 7, a move that resulted from a contract dispute with Boston management and the team`s strategic decision to retool.

During his first public appearance as a Panther, he struggled to hold back tears. “Ultimately, I understand that professional sports is a business and careers have a limited time span,” he commented. “I am incredibly thankful for everything the organization did for me.”

Another regret for Marchand is not fully appreciating all the experiences he had in Boston.

“Coming to the rink can be stressful. You tend to overthink things. There`s self-imposed pressure. You start worrying about things you don`t need to,” he reflected. “I know there were moments I missed out on or didn`t truly value because I was preoccupied with other matters.”

He offered the 2022-23 season as an example. The Bruins set an NHL record with 135 regular-season points, only to be shocked and eliminated by the Panthers in a seven-game first-round upset that concluded in a somber TD Garden. That series marked the beginning of the Panthers` emergence as a dominant force.

“We believed we were destined for the finals that year. We thought we would win it all, and then we were knocked out in the first round,” Marchand said. “Looking back, you realize we took everything we achieved that season for granted because our minds were already focused on the finals. We weren`t living in the moment.”

These are past regrets for the transformed Brad Marchand. The playoff disappointment, the split with the Bruins, and the trade were impactful events that reshaped his perspective.

“I`m simply not going to do that to myself this time,” he stated. “I arrive at the rink each day focused on enjoying myself and embracing the present, trying not to take things too seriously.”

Marchand began reevaluating his approach to mindfulness upon arriving in Florida.

“My family isn`t here, which gives me much more time at home to sit, reflect, and process things than I usually have,” he explained. “Here, the focus is on being present. Taking things day by day. Taking moments to contemplate and appreciate.”

As a result, Marchand decided to simply enjoy his current journey with the Panthers, which has led them back to the Stanley Cup Final, seeking a second consecutive championship against the Edmonton Oilers, the same team they defeated in Game 7 last season.

“I`m literally just trying to have fun out on the ice and have fun in the dressing room,” he said, gesturing around.

“The whole Dairy Queen situation is a perfect illustration of this.”

The `Dairy Queen Thing`

The “Dairy Queen thing” originated from an interview between Marchand and Sportsnet reporter Kyle Bukauskas. Bukauskas asked about a trip to Dairy Queen the Panthers made during the Eastern Conference finals games in Raleigh. He then showed a clip of Marchand eating something with a spoon between periods of Florida`s Game 3 victory, asking if he was “refueling with a Blizzard” in the locker room.

Marchand enthusiastically praised the chocolate chip cookie dough Blizzard as “the best dessert in the world” and playfully solicited Dairy Queen`s public relations for a lifetime supply in exchange for the endorsement.

“We had some fun on our day off. There was a DQ near the hotel. We went over and enjoyed our evening,” Marchand clarified about the team outing.

This interview went viral, leading many fans and media members to believe Marchand was actually eating ice cream during an intermission. His teammates were questioned about it, and Florida Panthers coach Paul Maurice faced questions on the topic during his news conferences.

Days later, Marchand was finally directly asked about consuming ice cream in the locker room mid-game.

“It wasn`t a Blizzard,” Marchand stated, with a tone that suggested the accusation was preposterous. “I was absolutely not eating a Blizzard during a game.”

Marchand clarified that his remarks in the Sportsnet interview were referencing the team`s trip to Dairy Queen. “I was talking about that. I was making a joke about our outing a couple of nights prior. Just having some fun with it, and I think people took it seriously,” he explained.

Following the viral interview, Marchand said his phone was flooded with messages from people claiming they were inspired by him to visit Dairy Queen.

“I appreciate the support,” he chuckled. “I enjoy a good Blizzard as much as anyone, but it`s not something I`ve ever had during the middle of a game.”

For many, the core fascination wasn`t really about whether Marchand was actually eating ice cream during intermission. It was more a testament to the unpredictable nature of the star winger that it felt entirely plausible he *could* be the guy eating Dairy Queen mid-game. There`s something amusingly fitting about one of the league`s most notorious agitators celebrating his antics with spoonfuls of cookie dough ice cream between periods.

But it wasn`t ice cream, cookie dough, or peanut butter. Marchand eventually revealed that what he was caught eating on camera was “something healthy.”

“It was honey. I was eating honey. It was a spoonful of honey.”

Was it because he`s sweet?

“Because I`m a bear,” he quipped in response.

Marchand mentioned he`s always had a fondness for honey.

“Actually, when I was a kid, I loved Winnie the Pooh. I used to have a Winnie the Pooh doll and I would feed the bear honey. It would get covered in honey and turn rock hard,” he recalled. “I don`t think my parents enjoyed cleaning it up, but I had fun.”

Marchand paused for comedic effect.

“That`s just what we do in Halifax. We feed teddy bears honey.”

His audience laughed.

Evolution on and off the Ice

It remains somewhat surreal to consider Marchand`s journey from where he began his NHL career to where he is now.

When the Bruins won the Cup in 2011, Marchand was a confident 23-year-old winger whose developing offensive skills were often overshadowed by his antics. Like in Game 6 of the Stanley Cup Final, when he repeatedly punched Vancouver Canucks winger Daniel Sedin in the face without intervention from the officials.

When asked why he kept hitting Sedin, Marchand famously replied, “Because I felt like it.”

He was also the player who got a tattoo with a misspelling after the Bruins` Cup win.

“Let me clarify something. After we won, several of us got tattoos right here in the Garden dressing room. Mine was initially misspelled,” he wrote in a past player diary for ESPN. “Instead of `Stanley Cup Champions` it said `Stanley Cup Champians.` I still don`t know how that happened.”

(The mistake was corrected before the next season.)

Between 2011 and 2018, he received six suspensions from the NHL for illegal hits, and most recently received a six-game suspension in 2022. He was a player known as much for instigating opponents as for scoring goals.

But in 2025? According to coach Jon Cooper, Marchand was seen as “an elder statesman” for Team Canada during the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.

“I really like him. I can`t say enough positive things about his energy and passion. He seems to tap into a fountain of youth whenever he plays in these tournaments. When things get tough, he`s one of the players everyone looks to,” Cooper noted. “The loudest voice on the bench, motivating everyone, is Brad Marchand. For someone who`s been around as long as he has, he doesn`t have to do that.”

That intensity is something Panthers coach Paul Maurice particularly appreciates about Marchand.

“He`s truly a unique person. He has as much energy at breakfast as he does at game time,” Maurice commented.

Maurice recalled his reaction when GM Bill Zito told him the Panthers would acquire Matthew Tkachuk in 2022, initially not believing it was possible. He had a similar feeling when Zito mentioned Chicago defenseman Seth Jones might be available last summer. But when Zito discussed Marchand, Maurice knew it was real. “If he says it, then it`s something that could actually happen,” Maurice said.

Frankly, Maurice didn`t think the Panthers had a significant vacancy in their lineup for Marchand. He also harbored concerns about how the 37-year-old veteran would integrate into a roster that was largely unchanged from the one that had just won the Stanley Cup the previous season.

Two of Marchand`s former Bruins teammates are now Panthers executives: Shawn Thornton, Chief Revenue Officer, and Gregory Campbell, Assistant General Manager. They reassured Maurice that Marchand would be a perfect fit for the Panthers.

“There are many stories about bringing in high-profile players late in their careers and it not working out, not fitting in. But they were confident,” the coach recalled.

After Marchand joined the Panthers, Maurice quickly understood the seamless fit, both on and off the ice.

“His personality helped alleviate pressure on the other players. Honestly, we have more reserved guys than outspoken ones. Everyone knows Aleksander Barkov isn`t going to start a podcast after he retires,” Maurice noted. “They seemed to think, `Okay, Marchy`s here, he can handle all the talking, and we can just relax.`”

The Panthers had some vocal personalities last season in forward Ryan Lomberg and defenseman Brandon Montour, both of whom departed via free agency.

“Some of these guys start talking in their car and don`t stop until they leave the rink. They just go on constantly,” Maurice joked. “It`s been good to have that element back that we had slightly lost. He`s brought it back.”

Over the years, Marchand has also learned discretion when speaking with the media. For instance, during Game 1 of the conference finals, Carolina defenseman Shayne Gostisbehere intentionally shot the puck at Marchand, resulting in Marchand receiving a misconduct penalty. When asked for his thoughts afterward, Marchand simply replied: “Yeah, I`m not much of a thinker.”

Maurice acknowledged that moment in his press conference later that day.

“He`s a fantastic interview. He`s very intelligent, even though I hear he`s a man of few thoughts,” he said, drawing laughter. “That`s a great line. I`m definitely using that.”

On the Ice, Finding Chemistry

On the ice, Marchand has primarily played alongside center Anton Lundell, 23, and winger Eetu Luostarinen, 26, during the Panthers` playoff run to the Final. They have formed one of the most effective third lines in the postseason. In 17 games together, the line has controlled 55% of shot attempts when on the ice, accounted for 56% of expected goals, scored 4.2 goals per 60 minutes at 5-on-5, and allowed just 0.82 goals against per 60 minutes.

Maurice praised the impact Marchand has had “on those two young players” on the third line. “The way they`ve developed, the way they play… part of that comes from playing alongside him,” he said.

Marchand has recorded 14 points (four goals, 10 assists) in the playoffs. Luostarinen has 13 points (four goals, nine assists), while Lundell has 12 points (five goals, seven assists).

Marchand spoke highly of Luostarinen.

“He plays a mature game. He engages physically. He`s tenacious on pucks, wins a lot of battles,” Marchand commented. “He`s also very, very skilled. He`s excellent with the puck. He doesn`t force plays. He`s very smart in how he approaches the game.”

Marchand then offered Luostarinen the highest praise he could give: he reminds Marchand of Patrice Bergeron, his six-time Selke Trophy-winning teammate with the Bruins.

“He`s so strong defensively with his stick. It reminds me a lot of Bergy, how he uses his stick effectively, breaking up many plays that way and subsequently generating offense,” Marchand said.

Marchand expressed enjoyment in playing with his Panthers linemates because their styles are similarly “simple and direct.”

“We complement each other effectively across the ice because we read the game well in both offensive and defensive zones. We support each other effectively, from one end of the ice to the other and along the boards,” he explained. “Because of this, we`re able to create offensive opportunities from small battles and scrums.”

He feels that skating with Lundell and Luostarinen has been revitalizing.

“They play with speed and intensity, and they are young, energetic guys. It helps keep me feeling young,” Marchand joked. “I`m lying to myself. I feel 25 again. I feel re-energized, and that`s partly due to playing with younger teammates and being part of a genuinely great group of guys here.”

Marchand didn`t always see them as great guys, especially when Matthew Tkachuk was tormenting his Bruins during the 2023 and 2024 playoffs.

“He`s a fierce competitor. He`s here to win. His reputation precedes him,” Marchand said of Tkachuk. “He`s one of the league`s most naturally gifted players around the net. He brings an element to the group that instills swagger in the players.”

Someone asked what opponents might think about having Marchand and Tkachuk — two legendary provocateurs — on the ice for Florida.

“I mostly feel sorry for the guys in our own room,” Marchand quipped about himself and Tkachuk. “Not many players are going to get a moment`s peace now. It`s definitely better to be on his team than playing against him, that`s for sure.”

Then there`s Sam Bennett, who appeared to deliver a blind punch to Marchand during the Panthers` playoff series victory over the Bruins in 2024. The incident sidelined Marchand for two games and resulted in no further discipline for Bennett. By the trade deadline in 2025, they were teammates.

“I didn`t hold a grudge. Again, I understand how this game is played. I`ve played a similar style myself,” Marchand said. “It`s something we joke about. I can laugh it off. I joke about it constantly. I probably joke about it more than he does, but I definitely find it funny.”

Maurice noted there`s a reason hockey players who were bitter rivals can become teammates with minimal resentment.

“I think you find that when a player walks into the room, even if he`s had intense battles against guys, they`re just so relieved that it`s over. They don`t have to fight you anymore. They don`t have to hack and whack in the corner for 60 minutes,” Maurice explained. “Brad Marchand and Sam Bennett are the best of friends now. A year ago, you wouldn`t have believed that was possible.”

A year ago, the idea of Brad Marchand joining the Florida Panthers seemed improbable to many. Yet, it makes perfect sense now: The player known as the “Rat King” joining the franchise that celebrates wins by throwing plastic rats onto the ice.

In fact, Marchand has become a new part of that tradition. After Panthers wins, if plastic rats are on the ice, his teammates have started shooting the fake rodents at Marchand as they head towards the dressing room.

“They see my family on the ice and want us to be united,” Marchand deadpanned.

As the playoffs have progressed, he noted, “they`re shooting to inflict pain now. Matthew Tkachuk hit me with one last game that I actually felt quite sharply,” he said.

Marchand is experiencing a range of emotions these days. The sting of the trade lessens slightly with each playoff victory. He`s finding more enjoyment and less stress, bonding quickly with his new teammates. And he`s just a few wins away from another Stanley Cup, reaching the Final for the third time since winning his first ring 14 years ago.

“It`s exciting. You hope to get to this stage. Obviously, we have a strong team and have played well so far. We`ve reached the point we aimed for, but we haven`t achieved the ultimate goal yet,” Marchand stated.

“I may never reach this deep stage of the playoffs again in my career. These are memories and moments that you absolutely want to cherish.”