Marchand’s Unexpected Exit: The Heartbreaking Crisis Behind His Sudden Departure

When life throws a curveball, true character shows up in a big way. That’s exactly what Brad Marchand is proving right now—stepping away from his role with the Florida Panthers to stand beside a friend grappling with an unimaginable loss. Last week, the heart-wrenching news of 10-year-old Selah Panacci-MacCallum’s passing from cancer shook their Halifax community. So, instead of the usual NHL ice battles, Marchand laced up his coach’s hat for the under-18 March and Mill Co. Hunters, a team he co-owns, filling in for his pal JP MacCallum during a heartfelt fundraiser dedicated to Selah’s memory. It’s a night meant to honor a young girl who loved the game fiercely and gave generously—in true spirit. While Marchand missed the Panthers’ recent game against Anaheim, coach Paul Maurice is optimistic he’ll be back by Saturday as the defending Stanley Cup champs take on Dallas. It’s moments like these that remind us sports are about so much more than wins and losses—they’re about community, compassion, and paying it forward. LEARN MORE.

HALIFAX, Nova Scotia — Brad Marchand is stepping away from the Florida Panthers to help a friend whose daughter died last week of cancer.

Marchand is serving as a guest coach Wednesday night for the under-18 March and Mill Co. Hunters in his hometown of Halifax, Nova Scotia, in place of friend JP MacCallum. Marchand is a co-owner of the team.

The game is a fundraiser for the family after the loss of 10-year-old Selah Panacci-MacCallum and includes a raffle for an autographed Marchand jersey.

“Please join us in celebrating an amazing night at the rink made possible by the ongoing giving nature of a 10 year-old girl that loved the game with all her [heart],” Marchand posted on Instagram.

Marchand missed Florida’s game Tuesday night against Anaheim. Coach Paul Maurice expects Marchand to be available when the back-to-back defending Stanley Cup champions face Dallas on Saturday.