Fans have just started to get used to seeing Brad Marchand, a true legend of the Boston Bruins, in a Florida Panthers jersey. But now, stunning new reports suggest that his next NHL destination could be even more surprising than his move at the Trade Deadline.
Marchand was the face of the Boston Bruins for more than ten years. Always a gifted and skilled NHL player, he was also one of the league’s most controversial and talked-about figures. But for every on-ice antic he pulled during his career, Bruins fans only loved him more, and no one ever believed he would do anything other than retire as a Bruin.
Named captain after Patrice Bergeron’s retirement, Marchand was long expected to be a lifelong Bruin. However, over the past year, reports suggested that he and the organization weren’t close to a new contract. With his current deal set to expire this summer, the Bruins made a shocking move at the Trade Deadline, sending him to the Florida Panthers. Marchand has yet to sign a new contract and is set to become an unrestricted free agent—drawing significant interest from around the league.
Brad Marchand is a UFA
But now, in a stunning twist, one of the most unexpected teams in the NHL could be in the hunt for Marchand’s signature. He has been relentlessly booed by Toronto Maple Leafs fans at every opportunity, but according to Adam Proteau of The Hockey News, there’s a real possibility that the Leafs could pursue him this summer—especially if they suffer yet another disappointing playoff exit.
“Okay, before you get snippy, hear us out: let’s assume the Maple Leafs falter early in the playoffs once again this spring,” Proteau wrote. “In the wake of that disappointment, there will likely be massive changes in Toronto—and what better way to spark a significant culture shift than by signing a proven winner and Leafs-haunter in Marchand?
“He’d have to acclimate to playing in the huge hockey fishbowl that is Toronto, but it’s not as if Marchand isn’t used to that in Boston.”
Marchand could sign with Toronto
At the same time, Proteau acknowledges that it’s a long shot, and it’s anyone’s guess how fans would react—but it could be a great fit.
“The Leafs might be a bigger long shot than Pittsburgh on this list, but if Marchand values playing in another Original Six market where hockey is everything, he could spend his remaining few seasons in Toronto and be an integral part of something special,” he said. “The Leafs would be motivated buyers for him, and he’d fill an obvious need for grit and spunk.”
Proteau isn’t the only insider making the case for Marchand in Toronto. The Athletic’s Jonas Siegel has also suggested the veteran forward could be the perfect Plan B if Mitch Marner were to leave this summer.
“They will certainly have ample cap space, with Marner’s absence creating a $13 million hole in their salary allocation,” Siegel wrote. “It might also make sense to add two wingers, increasing their scoring depth.
“In that case, Brad Marchand could be one intriguing option.”
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