The Toronto Maple Leafs are predicted to sign one of the best free agents available this summer.
Toronto is expected to lose Mitch Marner and could lose John Tavares as well. With that, NHL analyst and host of the Spittin’ Chiclets podcast Paul Bissonnette claimed Toronto will sign Brad Marchand to a massive four-year deal with $9 million per season for a total of $36 million.
“I got a message from someone very reliable. I heard rumblings that it is already agreed upon, 4 times $9 (million) for Brad Marchand,” Bissonette said on the podcast… That would be unreal, that would be a culture setter. That would make losing Tavares, if you do, not as painful, we knew Marner was gone.”
After the podcast aired, Bisonnette shared the messages with his source, claiming that Marchand to the Maple Leafs is a done deal.
Marchand just won the Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers and is expected to cash in in free agency. The star forward is coming off an eight-year, $49 million deal, which was an underpay, so he’ll be looking to make as money as possible.
Marchand recorded 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games between the Boston Bruins and Panthers. In the playoffs, he had 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 23 games.
Kypreos Also Reported Marchand Will Sign With Maple Leafs
Bissonnette isn’t the only person claiming Marchand will sign with the Maple Leafs.
Instead, NHL insider Nick Kypreos of Sportsnet reported that Marchand will be signing with the Maple Leafs on July 1.
“He’s the first one to say ‘I was underpaid in Boston, and I’m going to go out there and make it up right now.’ There’s no team on the planet right now that can satisfy the lost income he had probably on the last 3-4 years of his Boston Bruins deal, than the Toronto Maple Leafs. I don’t know how he doesn’t end up as a Maple Leaf, let me put it to you that way,” Kypreos said of Marchand.
After Kypreos’ report, Marchand responded in the Instagram comments, teasing Maple Leafs fans that he may indeed sign in Toronto.
“(Expletive) dawg… the people wanna see it?,” Marchand wrote in a comment.
Marchand is a two-time Stanley Cup champion.
Marchand Grew Up a Maple Leafs Fan
Throughout his NHL career, Marchand has tormented the Maple Leafs with his play.
After the Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs from the playoffs, Marchand revealed he grew a Toronto fan.
“I grew up a Leafs fan, and I enjoy playing against the Leafs,” Marchand said after the series ended. “I enjoy interacting with fans. It’s fun. I don’t take myself too seriously. I love getting made fun of and I love making fun of people. If you can’t take it, then so be it. I’m going to enjoy the moments that I have. 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 has 21 goals and 37 assists for 58 points in 59 games against Toronto. In the playoffs, he has 13 goals and 24 assists for 37 points in 35 games.
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