The Toronto Maple Leafs are reportedly planning major offseason changes and sign Marchand.
Marchand played a key role in the Florida Panthers’ Stanley Cup victory last season. Although he has expressed a desire to re-sign in Florida, no agreement has been reached yet. With free agency set to open on July 1, there’s a real chance he could become available.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, the Maple Leafs would be eager to pursue Marchand if he hits the open market.
“As we wait for Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, multiple teams — including Boston and Toronto — are hoping to speak with him once free agency begins on Tuesday, provided he doesn’t re-sign with the Cup champs,” LeBrun posted on X. “Boston would also be open to bringing him back, but Marchand might still stay in Florida.”
Marchand’s previous contract — an eight-year, $49 million deal — has ended, and he’s now seeking a lucrative multi-year deal that could be the final contract of his career.
He was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Panthers at the trade deadline and went on to help Florida win the Stanley Cup. In 10 regular-season games with the Panthers, Marchand notched 2 goals and 2 assists. He was much more productive in the playoffs, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 23 games.
Interestingly, Marchand grew up a fan of the Maple Leafs, which has only fueled speculation about a potential signing. Both Paul Bissonnette of Spittin’ Chiclets and Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos have said they expect Marchand to sign with Toronto.
After the Panthers eliminated Toronto from the playoffs, Marchand spoke about his connection to the Leafs:
“I grew up a Leafs fan, and I enjoy playing against the Leafs,” he said. “I enjoy interacting with fans. It’s fun. I don’t take myself too seriously… When I come in here and I get booed, I’m good. I’m going to show it. I’m going to enjoy that.”
Marchand is a two-time Stanley Cup champion and remains a high-impact forward.
The Panthers are still hoping to retain him. Florida has already re-signed Sam Bennett, and Marchand and Aaron Ekblad are now their top unsigned players. With $11 million in cap space, re-signing both might require moving out another player.
“We have a Plan B and a Plan C,” said GM Bill Zito. “But ideally, we want guys to feel valued and happy here. That’s what matters most.”
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