As the NHL offseason draws nearer, speculation swirls around the future of veteran winger Brad Marchand. Coming off an impressive postseason where he recorded 10 goals and 20 points in 23 games, Marchand has become one of the most sought-after unrestricted free agents this summer.
The Florida Panthers, fresh off back-to-back Stanley Cup Final appearances, face tough decisions under salary cap constraints. With priorities shifting toward retaining younger core players, Marchand’s impressive playoff performance has only heightened interest around the league.
Multiple teams are reportedly preparing offers to lure the 34-year-old winger away from Florida. As negotiations loom, Marchand’s next move could have a significant impact on the NHL landscape moving forward.
Maple Leafs lead the chase
NHL insider Nick Kypreos recently suggested that one team stands out in its ability to meet Marchand’s financial expectations. Speaking on the “Leafs Morning Take” podcast, Kypreos emphasized the Toronto Maple Leafs as a top contender.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers celebrates with the Stanley Cup after winning in Game Six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals at Amerant Bank Arena on June 17, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
“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,” Kypreos said. He further added, “I don’t know how he doesn’t end up as a Maple Leaf.”
see also
Panthers’ Brad Marchand makes emotional ‘Home’ statement as future with team remains uncertain
An unexpected contender emerges: Utah Mammoth
Adding intrigue to the offseason drama, veteran reporter Elliotte Friedman revealed that the NHL’s newest franchise, the Utah Mammoth, may enter the bidding war for Marchand. On the “32 Thoughts” podcast, Friedman speculated about a potentially lucrative offer from Utah.
“Maybe the magic number, like, that’s 24 million,” Friedman said, referring to a possible multi-year contract proposal with a high annual cap hit. This figure far exceeds recent projections by outlets like Daily Faceoff, which estimate a two-year, $5.1 million deal as Marchand’s market value.
The stakes for Marchand and Panthers
While Marchand’s future remains uncertain, Florida faces salary cap constraints and roster decisions that complicate re-signing the veteran forward. With the Panthers prioritizing extensions for key players like Sam Bennett and possibly Aaron Ekblad, Marchand could be on the move despite the team’s deep playoff run.
SurveyWhere will Brad Marchand sign this offseason?
Where will Brad Marchand sign this offseason?
already voted 0 people
As July 1 approaches, all eyes will be on Marchand’s decision, which could reshape the balance of power in the NHL and highlight the expanding influence of new franchises like Utah.
