The Florida Panthers secured a key partner for star Matthew Tkachuk by finalizing an eight-year contract extension with Sam Bennett, keeping him with the franchise long-term. At the same time, the NHL’s back-to-back champions face another challenge: extending veteran forward Brad Marchand’s contract.
The 37-year-old veteran forward is just days away from the end of his deal with the Panthers, having finally won the Stanley Cup after 14 years of chasing it with the Boston Bruins. His career is set to enter a new chapter, but it remains to be seen where he will showcase his talent.
The Panthers face a tight cap situation to re-sign Marchand following Bennett’s new deal. However, the front office in Sunrise remains optimistic about re-signing their veteran star along with another one of Tkachuk’s teammates, defenseman Aaron Ekblad. If that scenario doesn’t work out, though, a serious contender is waiting in the wings.
The contender ready to go all in for Marchand
According to TSN insider Darren Dreger, “The Maple Leafs would consider Brad Marchand their top priority if he becomes a free agent.” This shows that Toronto is ready to make an aggressive push for the Panthers star if he hits the open market on July 1.
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.
Interest hasn’t cooled down over the past few days. The Maple Leafs are on the verge of losing right wing Mitch Marner, one of their top offensive stars, while Marchand stands out as a high-profile option for a franchise eager to make a deep playoff run next season.
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Panthers GM Bill Zito makes clear statement on Sam Bennett after $64 Million contract, Conn Smythe win
Toronto reportedly preparing an offer for Marchand
NHL insider Paul Bissonnette recently stated that seeing Marchand join the Maple Leafs is a very real possibility. Toronto is reportedly preparing an offer to sign him, consisting of a four-year deal worth $9 million per season, for a total of $36 million.
