The Toronto Maple Leafs could benefit from the Florida Panthers’ complex free-agent situation this offseason.
The Panthers have three big-ticket free agents hitting the market: Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad, and Brad Marchand. Rumblings around the league suggest that the Panthers will prioritize re-signing Sam Bennett, even if it costs them Ekblad and Marchand.
TSN analyst Frankie Corrado drove home this point. During an appearance on June 17, discussed where the Panthers stand with their free-agent situation. In particular, Corrado had this to say about the Panthers keeping Bennett:
“If we look at how last year went, last year they had (Sam) Reinhart and they had (Brandon) Montour both up. They chose to keep Reinhart and they got a pretty sweet deal out of it…” Corrado continued, “And if we’re going to follow history, they’re probably going to prioritize keeping the forward over the defenseman, they will figure the rest out.”
Corrado’s comments hint at the Panthers keeping Sam Bennett this offseason to the detriment of Ekblad.
He drove home his point by stating:
“So, I guess what I’m saying is the most I can see is two (Ekblad and Bennett) and if it’s only one my guess would be Sam Bennett based on what we saw last year with Reinhart and Montour.”
Check out Corrado’s comments from the 1:55 mark onward:
Based on Corrado’s assessment, it looks like Bennett is staying put in Florida. That situation paves the way for the Toronto Maple Leafs to make a strong push to sign the archnemesis Brad Marchand.
The Maple Leafs have the cap space to pay Marchand what the Panthers can’t, particularly under the assumption that Mitch Marner will not be back with the Blue and White next season.
Brad Marchand Brings DNA Change to Toronto Maple Leafs
Signing Brad Marchand makes total sense for the Toronto Maple Leafs, especially when considering GM Brad Treliving’s comments regarding the need for a DNA change in Toronto.
That assertion is one that TSN’s Bryan Hayes made clear in an appearance on That’s Hockey, published on June 18.
Hayes declared:
“Marchand represents that DNA change Brad Treliving is speaking of. He’s a bigger-than-life personality. I also am curious if he’s got it in him to kind of burn the Bruins a little bit.” Hayes added, “If he’s a little bit unhappy with the fact that the Bruins wouldn’t play him and that’s why he played in Florida.”
He concluded:
“If you really want to get at the Bruins, head up to Toronto. He would be a perfect fit.”
Hayes underscored the fact that Marchand could play up and down the lineup with the Maple Leafs. That’s something the Leafs have lacked over the years, in addition to the leadership that he brings to the table.
Plus, for the DNA change in question, Marchand checks off all the boxes. He’s the type of player who can bring the grit and determination needed to excel in big-game situations like the Stanley Cup playoffs.
Why Brad Marchand May Not Work Out with Maple Leafs
On the opposite end of the spectrum, former NHL head coach Bruce Boudreau offered his thoughts on Marchand joining the Maple Leafs.
As a rebuttal to Hayes’ opinion. Boudreau believes that joining the Leafs could be detrimental to Marchand.
Boudreau stated:
“I think in Toronto, all of a sudden he’s got to jump into a first or second-line role and he’s got to play 17 to 20 minutes-plus a night.” Boudreau went on, “I think in the first year of his contract he’ll be fine, but at ages 39 and 40, I don’t think that’s going to work for him.”
Check out Hayes and Boudreau’s exchange here:
All told, Brad Marchand could be a great fit in Toronto as long as the Leafs don’t force him into a role with needless pressure on him. A hypothetical spot could be on a third line alongside John Tavares at center and a younger winger like Bobby McMann or Pontus Holmberg.
If the Leafs can pull that off, the club would have one of the best third lines in the NHL.
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