The Toronto Maple Leafs are looking to make some major changes this offseason and have interest in signing Brad Marchand.
Marchand was a key player for the Florida Panthers, winning the Stanley Cup last season. Although he has made it clear he wants to re-sign with the Panthers, no deal has happened, and with free agency opening on July 1, he could hit the open market.
NHL insider Pierre LeBrun reports that the Maple Leafs would love to sign Marchand if he does hit the open market.
“As we wait to see Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, several teams including Boston and Toronto hope to talk to him come Tuesday when the market opens, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Cup champs,” LeBrun wrote on X. “The Bruins would certainly be open to bringing him back. But again, perhaps Marchand re-signs in Florida.”
Marchand completed his eight-year, $49 million deal and will be looking for a multi-year contract that pays him handsomely, as this could be his final contract.
Marchand was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Panthers at the deadline and won the Cup in Florida. With the Panthers, he recorded 2 goals and 2 assists for 4 points in 10 regular-season games. In the playoffs, he added 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points in 23 games.
Marchand Grew Up a Maple Leafs Fan
If Marchand does hit the open market on July 1, he will be highly sought after and has been heavily linked to the Maple Leafs.
Paul Bissonnette of Spittin’ Chiclets claimed Marchand will be signing with the Maple Leafs, as did Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos.
Meanwhile, after the Panthers eliminated the Maple Leafs from the playoffs, Marchand revealed he grew up a Maple Leafs 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 won two Stanley Cups in his career.
Panthers Hopeful to Re-Sign Marchand
Marchand was an impactful player for the Panthers, and Florida is hoping to re-sign him.
The Panthers already re-signed Sam Bennett and have Marchand and Aaron Ekblad as pending free agents. Ahead of free agency opening, Panthers general manager Billy Zito says he’s hopeful he can re-sign Marchand and Ekblad.
“I have an idea,” Zito said. “If what I think isn’t accurate, and it might not be, OK. We have a Plan B and a Plan C. But my preference, and maybe I’m hoping, is that there’s enough for guys to want to stay and be part of this, be treated fairly and be happy. And that’s the most important thing.”
Florida has $11 million in cap space, so signing both of them would likely result in another player being traded.
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