In the wake of a key forward loss, another has returned for the Florida Panthers.
Brad Marchand made his season debut Sunday against the Anaheim Ducks, and scored a late equalizer before the Panthers fell 3-2 in overtime.
Marchand had not played since early March, when he was shut down for the season. He revealed in August that he underwent surgery after being dogged by a lower-body issue for much of last season. Florida's hopes of contending for what would have been a third consecutive Stanley Cup last season were derailed by injuries throughout the lineup.
The 38-year-old's return — earlier than expected after the team initially said he'd rehab through October — came days after captain Aleksander Barkov was placed on long-term injured reserve with a leg injury.
Marchand missed a career-high 30 games last season. Still, he remained effective with 27 goals and 27 assists for 54 points in 52 games he did suit up.
--with files from The Associated Press
