Maple Leafs Named Possible Threat to Steal Brad Marchand
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Brad Marchand and the Florida Panthers were able to win their second straight Stanley Cup Final this week, knocking off the Edmonton Oilers in Game 6 to take the series.
In what was another magical run, the Panthers capped off an impressive all-around season. Despite facing some adversity, Florida was able to avoid going to a winner-take-all Game 7 against the Oilers like they did last season.
As for Marchand, he was not playing for Florida last season. However, it was also his second championship. He won his first Stanley Cup Final back in 2011 with the Boston Bruins.
Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie… Brad Marchand #63 of the Florida Panthers looks to pass against the Tampa Bay Lightning in the first period of Game One of the First Round of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs at the Amalie Arena on April 22, 2025 in Tampa, Florida.
Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images
Prior to joining the Panthers this season, Marchand had played the first 16 years of his career with the Bruins. It was strange to see him playing elsewhere, but the move worked out well for him.
Read more: Bruins Emerging as Potential Suitor to Steal Connor McDavid
Now, the question becomes, where will the 37-year-old center be playing next season?
Entering the NHL offseason, Marchand is a free agent. Many believe that he will simply re-sign with Florida, but that is not a guarantee at this point in time.
Sports Illustrated’s Karl Rasmussen has taken a look at potential free agency fits for Marchand. One name that was brought up as a potential suitor was the Toronto Maple Leafs.
With Mitch Marner potentially on his way out of town in free agency, the Maple Leafs could look to replace him with Marchand.
“The Maple Leafs could see Mitch Marner make for the exit door in free agency, and Marchand may be a suitable replacement,” Rasmussen wrote. “He comes with a bevy of postseason experience and two Stanley Cup championships. That type of leadership and experience could be exactly what Toronto needs to get over the hump.”
Read more: Stanley Cup Finals 2025: Panthers Win, Become First Back-to-Back Champs Since 2021
During the 2024-25 NHL season, the Maple Leafs finished the regular season with a 52-26-4 record. They were able to knock off the Ottawa Senators in the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs in six games.
Unfortunately, Toronto saw its season come to an end at the hands of Marchand and the Panthers in the second round.
While the mostly likely scenario for Marchand is simply re-signing with Florida, he could receive outside interest. The Maple Leafs would make a lot of sense as a possible destination if he does open up to offers from other teams outside of the Panthers.
For more NHL and sports news, head to Newsweek Sports.
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