Brad Marchand arrived at the Florida Panthers in March, and for a few months his contributions were key in securing the team’s second consecutive Stanley Cup title. However, despite some positive signs, his future remains uncertain. In recent hours, a major offer has reportedly emerged with the intent of luring the 37-year-old forward away from the team led by star Matthew Tkachuk.
His 20 points in 23 playoff games, including six goals in the Stanley Cup final, have positioned Marchand as an irresistible target for any franchise aiming to make a deep postseason run. Suitors are lining up, as the veteran winger is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
The Panthers have acknowledged that they are prioritizing the renewal of another key teammate of Tkachuk, Sam Bennett. His status, along with that of Marchand and Aaron Ekblad, remains uncertain heading into the next campaign. In that context, the former Boston Bruins legend appears to be a lower immediate priority for an extension and is reportedly ready to listen to offers from other teams.
Which franchise is preparing a massive offer for Marchand?
NHL insider and Spittin’ Chiclets podcast host Paul Bissonnette claimed that the franchise preparing a major offer for Marchand is none other than the Toronto Maple Leafs. The Canadian team is reportedly in advanced talks to sign the Panthers star to a four-year deal worth $9 million per season, a total of $36 million.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers leaves the ice following a win against the Carolina Hurricanes in Game Three of the Eastern Conference Final of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
“I got a message from someone very reliable. I heard rumblings that it is already agreed upon, 4 times $9 (million) for Brad Marchand,” Bissonnette predicted. At the same time, another insider, Nick Kypreos, backed the report, adding: “I don’t know how he doesn’t end up a Maple Leaf, let’s put it that way.”
see also
Not Sam Bennett or Brad Marchand: Matthew Tkachuk’s key teammate is reportedly close to ending a long run with the Panthers
Toronto could turn a villain into a hometown hero
Toronto is currently facing the likely departure of offensive star Mitch Marner, who appears poised to test free agency on July 1. To fill that void, the Maple Leafs seem ready to bring in a Canadian hockey icon like Marchand as they pursue another Stanley Cup title. That would mean signing a longtime Bruins legend, a team that has had multiple intense playoff battles with Toronto in the past.
