Brad Marchand will not play on Wednesday as the Florida Panthers face the Boston Bruins while he continues to recuperate from an undisclosed injury, according to George Richards of Florida Hockey Now. The forward has been sidelined since January 29, when he left a game against the St. Louis Blues due to the issue.
This season, Marchand has appeared in 45 games despite ongoing injury challenges, contributing 25 goals and 25 assists. The 37-year-old Team Canada member is expected to have another opportunity to return on Thursday against Tampa Bay, Florida’s final game before the start of the Olympic hockey tournament.
Sam Bennett Set to Return After Recent Injury
Sam Bennett will be available to play against the Bruins after missing part of Monday’s game against the Buffalo Sabres with an upper-body injury. He was named to Team Canada’s Olympic roster on Tuesday as an injury replacement for Anthony Cirelli, providing a boost to the squad ahead of the tournament.
Anton Lundell Likely to Rejoin After Absence
Anton Lundell, who has missed the last three games with an upper-body injury, is expected back for Wednesday’s game against Boston. Like Marchand and Bennett, Lundell is preparing for the Olympic competition as a member of Team Finland, with the men’s hockey tournament set to begin on February 11.
Upcoming Games and Olympic Preparations
The Florida Panthers head into their February 9 matchup with the Bruins still managing injuries to key players like Marchand. The game ahead of the Olympics is seen as a crucial final test before the players join their national teams, with Marchand’s status for the Tampa Bay game on Thursday pivotal for both Florida and Team Canada’s Olympic plans.
