Bruins after dark

Brad Marchand’s postseason run with Florida is doing more than just turning heads—it’s putting the Boston Bruins in position to cash in big at the NHL Draft.

It still feels strange to see Brad Marchand in a Panthers jersey, but there’s no denying he’s making an impact.

Florida eliminated the Lightning in five games, closing out the series with a 6-3 win Wednesday night.

Marchand had two helpers in that one and now has four points—all assists—through the opening round.

During his 5-on-5 shifts, the Panthers outscored Tampa Bay 6-2 across five games.

He’s brought exactly what Florida needed: secondary scoring, a little grit, some penalty killing, and that deep playoff experience.

Throw in some classic Marchand chirping with Matthew Tkachuk and, well, the Panthers have a lot going for them.

The Bruins may no longer have Marchand on the ice, but they’ve got a lot riding on what he does next.

When Boston sent their longtime winger to Florida before the March 7 trade deadline, they received a conditional second-round pick in 2027.

Here’s where it gets interesting: if the Panthers make it to the Eastern Conference Final and Marchand suits up for at least half their playoff games, that second becomes a first-rounder.

And not just any first-rounder.

According to the Boston Herald’s Steve Conroy, the pick is top-10 protected for 2027.

If it somehow lands in that range, it rolls over as an unprotected 2028 first.

Right now, the Panthers are firing on all cylinders.

They’ve got skill, depth, experience, and strong goaltending. Whether it’s Toronto or Ottawa up next, Florida will likely enter as the favorite.

And with Marchand playing top-six minutes, the odds of that draft condition being met look pretty solid.

It’s a strange twist for Bruins fans—rooting for a player they just said goodbye to. But if things keep trending the way they are, Boston’s return in the deal could end up being a lot better than originally expected.