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Maple Leafs 'Would Love' to Sign Brad Marchand, Claims Pierre LeBrun originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand is approaching free agency for the first time in his career, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are watching closely.
The forward has never entered the open market during his 16 years of NHL experience as he's always signed contract extensions in advance.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, if the Florida Panthers can’t make room to re-sign the 36-year-old winger, Toronto plans to act fast.
Speaking on TSN’s "Insider Trading" on Saturday, LeBrun reported the Panthers have made a strong presentation to Marchand and his camp, but a final decision hasn’t been made yet.
"[After re-signing Sam Bennett] the focus is on Brad Marchand," LeBrun said. "The Panthers have made an offer to Brad Marchand. They had a big presentation for him. Now it’s sitting in Brad Marchand’s camp, and it’s up to him and his agent to have a response for the Panthers here in the coming days.
"It might be hard for him to leave Florida, but if he does — and I think it’s more likely that he signs — the Toronto Maple Leafs (are) absolutely among the suitors that would love to make Brad Marchand an offer."
The 37-year-old winger is coming off helping the Panthers secure a second straight Stanley Cup win. It was Marchand's second overall title after winning the championship with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Marchand scored 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games despite his age and remains an elite high-stakes player, someone Toronto has lacked during the Core Four era.
Florida has already locked up Sam Bennett on a maximum eight-year, $64 million extension and only has $11 million in cap space to try and keep Marchand and fellow unrestricted free agent Aaron Ekblad.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are in a much healthier financial position, having $21 million in current cap space even after re-signing veteran center John Tavares to an extension.
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand is approaching free agency for the first time in his career, and the Toronto Maple Leafs are watching closely.
The forward has never entered the open market during his 16 years of NHL experience as he's always signed contract extensions in advance.
According to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, if the Florida Panthers can’t make room to re-sign the 36-year-old winger, Toronto plans to act fast.
Speaking on TSN’s "Insider Trading" on Saturday, LeBrun reported the Panthers have made a strong presentation to Marchand and his camp, but a final decision hasn’t been made yet.
"[After re-signing Sam Bennett] the focus is on Brad Marchand," LeBrun said. "The Panthers have made an offer to Brad Marchand. They had a big presentation for him. Now it’s sitting in Brad Marchand’s camp, and it’s up to him and his agent to have a response for the Panthers here in the coming days.
"It might be hard for him to leave Florida, but if he does — and I think it’s more likely that he signs — the Toronto Maple Leafs (are) absolutely among the suitors that would love to make Brad Marchand an offer."
The 37-year-old winger is coming off helping the Panthers secure a second straight Stanley Cup win. It was Marchand's second overall title after winning the championship with the Boston Bruins in 2011.
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Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning Game 6 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers. Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Marchand scored 10 goals and 20 points in 23 playoff games despite his age and remains an elite high-stakes player, someone Toronto has lacked during the Core Four era.
Florida has already locked up Sam Bennett on a maximum eight-year, $64 million extension and only has $11 million in cap space to try and keep Marchand and fellow unrestricted free agent Aaron Ekblad.
The Maple Leafs, meanwhile, are in a much healthier financial position, having $21 million in current cap space even after re-signing veteran center John Tavares to an extension.
Related: Paul Bissonnette Hears of ‘Agreed-Upon’ Brad Marchand-Maple Leafs Deal
Related: Maple Leafs GM Breaks Silence on Reported Mitch Marner-Golden Knights Trade Rumor
Related: Maple Leafs GM Breaks Silence on Reported Mitch Marner-Golden Knights Trade Rumor
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 29, 2025, where it first appeared.
Continue reading...
