Panthers' Brad Marchand returns to Halifax as coach following close friend's heart-wrenching loss

Brad Marchand is in Nova Scotia to help a close friend through a difficult time. The Florida Panthers forward will coach the U18 March & Mill Co. Hunters on Wednesday night in Halifax. He is filling in for his longtime friend, JP MacCallum, who lost his 10-year-old daughter, Selah, to cancer last week.

Marchand will be joined by former Halifax Mooseheads teammate Andrew Bodnarchuk. The Hunters will face the Halifax Macs at the Halifax Forum. The game will raise money for the MacCallum family. Donations will be accepted, and a signed Marchand jersey will be raffled.

Paul Graham, president of the Nova Scotia U18 Major Hockey League, shared condolences to the MacCallum family. He also talked about Marchand and Bodnarchuk, saying,

"In an incredible show of support and friendship, Brad Marchand and Andrew Bodnarchuk will step behind the bench to coach the Marchand & Mill Co. Hunters this Wednesday as they face the Halifax Macs, allowing JP to remain at home with his family during this difficult time.

"This gesture reflects the true spirit of the hockey community in Nova Scotia, one built on compassion, loyalty, and connection that extends far beyond the rink. Our thoughts are with JP, his loved ones, and the entire Hunters organization."

Marchand also helped set up charitable efforts for the MacCallum family during Selah’s illness. The Hunters dedicated their 2025-26 season to Selah and wore “Strength for Selah” jerseys at their home opener.

A celebration of life for Selah will be held on Thursday at Shining Waters Marina in Tantallon, Nova Scotia. She loved food, art, music, and laughter, and her family plans to honor her in that way.

Brad Marchand's potential NHL return timeline

If we talk about his NHL return, Brad Marchand is expected to be back Saturday against the Dallas Stars after missing Tuesday’s game for Selah's funeral. He has five goals and 11 points in 10 games this season. Marchand will likely play in Florida’s top six, with Mackie Samoskevich moving to the third line.

In Tuesday’s 3-2 shootout loss to Anaheim, Leo Carlsson scored short-handed, and Cutter Gauthier added a 5-on-3 power-play goal. Coach Paul Maurice said his team worked hard but gave up key chances.

“Give a team with skill a chance 5-on-3 and, chances are, they are going to score on those," Maurice said, via NHL.com.

Anton Lundell and Sam Reinhart scored for Florida in the third period. However, Troy Terry and Mason McTavish won the game in a shootout for the Ducks.