Brad Marchand, sporting Florida Panthers gear, discussed his failed contract talks with the Bruins while also defending Don Sweeney Monday.

TAMPA, Fla. — Don Sweeney did what he had to do Friday, tearing the bandage off the festering 2024-25 season and bidding adieu to a collection of fan favorites, chief among them Bruins captain Brad Marchand.

But in his first presser as a Panther, he showed no bitterness to Sweeney or the Bruins. In fact, it was quite the opposite reaction in a moment that was equal parts emotion and pragmatism. He also lavished praise on Sweeney, who has been taking plenty of heat here for trading a player whose No. 63 will be raised to the Garden rafters some day.