NHL

Brad Marchand reportedly lets Panthers and other suitors know his demands ahead of 2025 NHL free agency

On the eve of a frenetic NHL offseason, Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand has reportedly announced his contract terms to every bidder in the upcoming free agency.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes the ice prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
© Carmen Mandato/Getty ImagesBrad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes the ice prior to Game Four of the Eastern Conference Final against the Carolina Hurricanes in the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Amerant Bank Arena on May 26, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.

Following his trade to the Florida Panthers, veteran Brad Marchand has seemingly travelled back in time. Marchand has put on vintage, dominant performances during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs. With his contract set to expire on July 1st, the former Boston Bruins captain has seen his value skyrocket in the NHL. Several teams will be hoping to sign him during free agency. Marchand, however, has now made his terms clear.

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Needless to say, every player in the NHL wants to win the Stanley Cup—but nobody seems to crave silverware as much as Marchand does at the moment. After suffering consecutive gut-wrenching eliminations with the Bruins, Marchand arrived in Florida, where he found a much-needed change of scenery. The Panthers immediately welcomed him to the reigning roster in the league, and the move paid dividends.

Although he plays on the third line, Marchand became pivotal to the Panthers‘ success. His leadership and production guided the Cats to their third straight Cup Final. Marchand’s 17 points (7G and 10A) are tied for second-most on the Panthers during the postseason.

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Playing through a contract year at 37, Brad Marchand continues to defy Father Time with ageless performances. As a result, he’s drawn interest from virtually every contending team in the NHL. While some may think he’s entering the twilight of his career, Marchand is reportedly eyeing a relatively long-term deal—and most franchises appear willing to foot the bill.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes questions from the media after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Panthers defeated the Maple Leafs 6-1 and win the series 4-3.

Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers takes questions from the media after defeating the Toronto Maple Leafs in Game Seven of the Second Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at Scotiabank Arena on May 18, 2025 in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.

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According to insider Chris Johnston, Panthers star Brad Marchand is seeking a 3- to 4-year contract, which would keep him in the league until age 40. Moreover, several potential suitors appear willing to meet those terms.

Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly have preferred option between Panthers’ Marchand and Bennett as Marner replacement

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Rising to the occasion

Marchand’s run with the Panthers during the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs has been magical so far. It makes sense why every team would like to submit an offer to the former Bruins’ captain. Marchand is the definition of a playoff-riser, and both his stats and tape support that statement.

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Marchand sits in fourth place among active players in playoff points with 155 (63G, 92A) in 176 games played. He only trails Sidney Crosby, Evgeni Malkin, and Nikita Kucherov. Marchand can be considered the most clutch performer out of them all, though.

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The 37-year-old leads all active players with 15 game-winning goals in the postseason, including five in overtime—tied for the most in NHL history. Of course, those are just numbers. Marchand isn’t concerned with stats. All that’s on the Panthers veteran’s mind is hoisting his second Stanley Cup—now just three wins away.

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