Paul Maurice says Brad Marchand is fine after being held out in Toronto

After the Panthers' 4-1 loss in Toronto, coach Paul Maurice said Brad Marchand was removed before the third period as a coaching decision and that the move was precautionary to avoid worsening a lingering issue.

The Florida Panthers lost 4-1 in Toronto on Tuesday and Brad Marchand did not return for the third period. Marchand logged 11:41 of ice time before being held out of the final frame. Coach Paul Maurice said the decision was made by the coaching staff rather than medical personnel and described it as a precaution. Key points: - Brad Marchand played 11:41 and did not appear in the third period of the 4-1 loss in Toronto. - Paul Maurice said the choice to hold Marchand out was a coaching decision, not a medical one. - Maurice said Marchand had been dealing with something and the team did not want to risk making it worse, noting heightened sensitivity to injuries. - The coach’s postgame comments aimed to reassure that Marchand would be fine moving forward. Summary: Maurice’s explanation reduced immediate concern about Marchand needing time away from play and framed the move as a protective measure. Undetermined at this time.