Panthers get worrisome Brad Marchand injury news after Olympics originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
Brad Marchand had a really weird Olympics for Team Canada.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAnd now, as he returns to the Florida Panthers, there will be some question marks about an injury.
Marchand missed multiple games in Milan as a scratch, believed to be healthy but potentially hiding some kind of ailment.
He was back for the medal rounds, but he wasn't effective in Canada's semifinal win over Finland or gold medal game loss to the United States.
MORE: Jack Hughes, not a miracle, just magic
NHL insider Jeff Marek said Sunday that he believes Marchand was playing hurt.
In fact, he wondered if Marchand has already played his last hockey game of the season for the Panthers.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThat'd be a bummer of an outcome for the two-time defending Stanley Cup champions. At the same time, maybe it's needed. They're not having the kind of season that they've come to expect out of the Panthers.
Marchand remains a quality veteran hockey player. He was acquired by Florida a year ago before the trade deadline from the Boston Bruins to help them repeat, and he did just that.
MORE: Team USA honors Johnny Gaudreau in special way after gold medal
This time around, Marchand has been a step off the pace at times.
Whether an injury or just ineffectiveness, Marchand has simply not been quite good enough of late.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIt may not be an injury, but if it is, don't expect the Panthers to mess around. It may make the most sense by far to let Marchand take his time to heal.
More NHL news:
Auston Matthews, Maple Leafs now forced to face tough reality
Jack Hughes has forever changed his value
Zach Werenski made 'the play before The Play'
Connor Hellebuyck has changed his story forever
Alex Ovechkin has shared an update on his retirement plans
Evgeni Malkin gets big news on a possible future
