By now, everyone is familiar with the saying: when one door closes, another one opens. That might be more accurate than ever for the Toronto Maple Leafs. After the Florida Panthers reportedly re-signed defenseman Aaron Ekblad, all signs pointed to what the move could mean for Brad Marchand’s future, as he remains a pending UFA in the NHL.
The Maple Leafs are actively pursuing nearly every name made available in the NHL. After years of heartbreak, Toronto is determined to pay whatever it takes to end its half-century-long Stanley Cup drought. To do so, the team needs all the help it can get.
The Panthers in particular have been a team the Maple Leafs have kept a close eye on—and so has the rest of the NHL. The reigning Stanley Cup champions are building a dynasty down in South Florida, and every other team is scrambling to grab any spare brick the Cats toss aside. Florida is greedy, nevertheless, and it has yet to make its stars available. After Sam Bennett, Aaron Ekblad is now reportedly staying put. With all eyes shifting to Marchand.
The 37-year-old is among the most coveted players in the NHL right now, and the Leafs might be first in line if he becomes available as an UFA. Therefore, the reports of Ekblad signing an eight-year, $6.1 million AAV deal could effectively imply Marchand will hit the market.
Aaron Ekblad #5 of the Florida Panthers celebrates his goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game Three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena on June 09, 2025 in Sunrise, Florida.
“I don’t see how the Panthers sign Ekblad and then also find money for Marchand,” reporter Scott McLaughlin said on X. And it’s true, the Panthers currently have only $4.9 millions available in cap space, per PuckPedia. Barring a trade to clear space, it would require Marchand taking a huge discount to stay in Sunrise.
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NHL News: Auston Matthews’ Maple Leafs reportedly willing to give Brad Marchand a strong reason to leave Panthers
Money talks
Marchand’s time in Broward County has been a blast—there’s no doubt about it. But it might have been meant to be short-lived. Time flies by when one is having fun and the Panthers will be the first to admit these past two years have gone by in the blink of an eye.
The memories, friendships, and trips to Dairy Queen can only take Marchand and his family so far. If he becomes an unrestricted free agent, the moment one of the huge offers reportedly in store for him hits the table, his perspective might change. The 37-year-old has to do what’s best for himself and his family—and the Maple Leafs might have an offer too good to refuse.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers holds the Stanley Cup during the Florida Panthers 2025 Stanley Cup Victory Parade and Rally on June 22, 2025 on Fort Lauderdale Beach, Florida.
“I do think the Maple Leafs will be in there with a very strong bid, probably a 4 year contract. It wouldn’t surprise me if it got all the way to $9 million, but certainly north of $8 million,” insider Chris Johnston said on his podcast.
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Brad Marchand’s net worth: How much fortune does the Florida Panthers left winger have?
If somebody can make it happen, it’s Bill Zito
Bill Zito and the Panthers cannot be underestimated, however. Though Ekblad’s situation was different from Marchand’s, the blueliner still accepted a deal far lower than some of the offers he would have received in free agency. Whether Marchand is willing to make a similar sacrifice to stay with the best team in the league remains to be seen.
