Marchand mulling return to Florida, but focusing on Stanley Cup - ESPN

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. — Brad Marchand said he has considered re-signing with the Florida Panthers this offseason but stressed that his focus remains on winning the Stanley Cup before making any free agency decisions.

«Yeah, I've thought about it. But we'll deal with that in the future,» Marchand said.

The Panthers acquired Marchand from Boston after he and the Bruins were unable to come to terms on a contract extension. Marchand becomes an unrestricted free agent on July 1. Next season will be his 17th in the NHL.

The 37-year-old left wing could be a coveted veteran player on the free-agent market, having scored 23 goals with 28 assists in 71 games this season. He remains a solid two-way player who plays a tenacious, agitating game. But his stock has only risen in this run to the Stanley Cup Final with the Panthers in which Marchand has 17 points in 19 games with seven goals — two of them scored in Florida's Game 2 win in Edmonton, including the game-winner in double-overtime.

«I didn't appreciate how good his hands are. They're kind of in that Matthew Tkachuk mode. That's a set of hands that's at the top end. Those guys are special,» said coach Paul Maurice of Marchand. «He's an exceptional man. Really enjoy having him.»

Marchand said he's tried to keep thoughts about his future out of his mindset, with the Panthers tied 1-1 with the Oilers in the Stanley Cup Final.

«The longest you can go is two weeks, so you're in the moment that entire time. You can't have your mind in any other place other than right here and now,» he said. «I've said it so often during this run: You have to enjoy these moments. They don't come often. There's no other thought in my mind right now.»

When the postseason wraps up and Marchand turns his