Brad Marchand expected to make Panthers debut vs. Utah

After being out of the lineup since March 4 due to an upper-body injury, Marchand is expected to make his Florida Panthers debut Friday against Utah, head coach Paul Maurice announced after practice, according to the team’s TV rinkside reporter Katie Engleson.

Maurice said Wednesday that Utah was the target game for the 36-year-old winger as long as he was able to practice fully.

Marchand skated alongside Tomas Nosek and Mackie Samoskevich in Wednesday’s practice, but Maurice revealed Thursday that Sam Bennett would replace Nosek on a potential line against Utah.

The Panthers are second in the Atlantic Division with 89 points, one point behind the leading Maple Leafs, and tied with Tampa Bay. Marchand will look to jumpstart an already potent lineup that’s struggled down the stretch without superstar Matthew Tkachuk, going 6-4 in its last 10.

With a tight playoff race ongoing, Marchand and his Stanley Cup pedigree will add to the experienced Florida group.