Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand sat out Tuesday's game against the Anaheim Ducks following a death in his family. The news drew widespread support from fans across the NHL.
Brad Marchand, who leads the Panthers with 11 points (five goals, six assists) in 10 games this season, did not play in the matchup against the Ducks on Tuesday. The absence was attributed to a death in his family, as reported in the latest NHL status update.
The hockey community responded with an outpouring of support for Marchand and his family. Fans across the league rallied around the veteran forward, sharing messages of condolence and best wishes on social media and through various platforms. "Best wishes to Brad Marchand and his family!" became a common sentiment in reactions to the news.
Marchand's teammates also dealt with other absences, including forward Jonah Gadjovich, who missed the game with an upper-body injury and is expected to be sidelined for one week. Noah Gregor made his debut for Florida, having split last season between the Ottawa Senators and San Jose Sharks.
This marks a challenging moment for the Panthers early in the season, with Marchand's production being a key factor in their lineup.