The Florida Panthers did it again.

Right when it seemed like the Panthers would have to take their foot off the gas, having won back-to-back Stanley Cups and potentially losing any of three crucial free agents (Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand), they locked up all of them for the long-term and are as well-positioned as ever to win another Cup.

Marchand was a particularly big keep because after this brief trial period with Florida, he could have sought the big payday elsewhere. He still signed a six-year, $31.5 million deal, which is nothing to scoff at, but there were reportedly much, much bigger offers on the table.

According to Chris Johnston of The Athletic, Marchand could have earned $10 million annual average value away from Florida.

Marchand was long underpaid as a Boston Bruin, and many felt that with two rings, he would ride off into the sunset quietly and take the money. But this is Brad Marchand we’re talking about, and winning is still his top priority.

Marchand wanted to be a Bruin for life, and while the abrupt trade ended that dream, perhaps he feels most comfortable as a two-franchise player, especially since he has helped deliver Cups to both cities.

He also turned 37 in May, and people in that age bracket typically do not receive six-year deals. But, general manager Bill Zito saw how he performed on Florida’s third line with Eetu Luostarinen and Anton Lundell and wanted more.

Marchand also fits perfectly on this Florida team. Whether it be the on-ice “rat” antics, the off-ice Dairy Queen visits, or a perfectly Panthersian Cup celebration, this looks and feels like home to him.