Veteran forward Brad Marchand, 37, who was set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1, has reportedly agreed to a six-year contract extension with the Florida Panthers, according to TSN and The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun. While the average annual value (AAV) hasn’t been disclosed, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reports the total value could be around $32 million.
Marchand was expected to be a high-profile target in free agency, with the Toronto Maple Leafs considered a leading contender for his services. That possibility is now off the table, as Marchand has decided to stay with the Stanley Cup champion Panthers.
The Halifax, Nova Scotia native made a strong impact during the playoffs, tallying 10 goals and 10 assists in 23 games after being acquired from the Boston Bruins at the trade deadline. Teams reportedly interested in signing him included Toronto, Boston, Florida, and the Utah Mammoth.
With Marchand off the market, Toronto will have to explore other options to bolster their forward group, possibly via trade. Earlier Monday, the Leafs picked up Matias Maccelli from Utah in exchange for a conditional third-round pick in 2027. That pick could escalate to a second-rounder in 2029 if Maccelli reaches 51 points next season. The 24-year-old winger has one year remaining on his current deal, carrying a $3.425 million cap hit.
Additionally, the Maple Leafs have reportedly traded Mitch Marner’s signing rights to the Vegas Golden Knights in return for forward Nic Roy, according to Friedman. Marner is said to have signed an eight-year contract with Vegas worth $12 million annually.
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