Brad Marchand's Free Agency Verdict Revealed as Leafs Fans Watch Closely
Photo credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Darren Dreger reveals the future of Brad Marchand's free agency plans, and how it may impact the Leafs plans this offseason.
Dreger spoke on TSN's 'First Up' radio show, giving new insight into the Leafs pursuit of free agent Brad Marchand, and where the Leafs are with Marchand, as well as with Mitch Marner as rumors suggest a deal is nearing to send him to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade, reported last night.
Dreger also says that he wouldn't be surprised to see Brad Marchand stay as a member of the Florida Panthers, re-signing with the team:
I believe they'd like to be serious contenders because I believe they would see Brad Marchand as a fit on the wing with Matthew Knies and Auston Matthews.
Marchand plays on the right side for the Florida Panthers and looks like he did okay through the Stanley Cup playoffs. There's very much a personal decision, the family influence is strong for Brad Marchand, his wife and his children.
Most still believe that he's going to stay Florida; that Bill Zito's going to find a way to get it done.
As Pierre LeBrun alluded to, I believe yesterday on X, there's a world where you could see Marchand going back to Boston, and if that happens I expect that the term will be longer.
Marchand plays on the right side for the Florida Panthers and looks like he did okay through the Stanley Cup playoffs. There's very much a personal decision, the family influence is strong for Brad Marchand, his wife and his children.
Most still believe that he's going to stay Florida; that Bill Zito's going to find a way to get it done.
As Pierre LeBrun alluded to, I believe yesterday on X, there's a world where you could see Marchand going back to Boston, and if that happens I expect that the term will be longer.
Similarly, Frank Seravalli on Sportsnet The FAN 590 said that Marner and his camp were unwilling to engage with the Toronto Maple Leafs in terms of a new deal, and adds despite what appears to be a four-year deal at $9M yearly for Brad Marchand, the 37-year-old could still choose to remain a Florida Panther.
Status of Brad Marchand, Mitch Marner leads Leafs looking less Certain
Potentially missing out on Brad Marchand after finalizing a deal to send Mitch Marner to Vegas would be a massive disappointment for the Toronto Maple Leafs.
A four-year at $9M a season would be steep for a 37-year old Marchand who is starting to show his age.
It's a massive risk for Brad Treliving and the Leafs to commit to for the long-term structure of the team, potentially giving them a difficult contract to claw out of that doesn't guarantee winning, especially if Marchand continues to regress further.
Brad Marchand going back to the Florida Panthers despite making less would be a commitment to his family and comfort, the Panthers giving him a chance to stay together with his family, or going back to the city they've known forever in Boston.
The Toronto Maple Leafs would need to prove to Marchand that signing in Toronto is the right move for him to settle down and wind down his career, but is it worth it for $9M a year?
Is signing Brad Marchand the right move for the Toronto Maple Leafs
The Brad Marchand comes with clear needs for the Toronto Maple Leafs that they need met, but there are obvious risks that could hurt more than they will help.
As mentioned before, Marchand is 37 and had his lowest points total in a decade with 51 points in 71 games.
What Toronto is ultimately paying for is his 20 points in 23 playoff games for the Stanley Cup champion Florida Panthers.
Marchand is a 2x Stanley Cup winner who knows what it takes to win and has a physical aggressive edge lacking in past Toronto Maple Leafs teams, but it's a question of how long that player at his age can be effective.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are a team who desperate need a winning roster, and are risking a lot of potential concerns to add a proven playoff winner.
**UPDATE**
According to NHL Insider Elliotte Friedman, Marchand is closing in on a six-year extension with Florida, at an AAV of $5.3-million.
With the Panthers re-signing Sam Bennett as well as Aaron Ekblad, when this is finalized it will give Florida the trio they were hoping to keep around, and may lead to yet another Cup Final.
Bill Zito pulled it off, a very, very impressive feat.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 30 | 740 ANSWERS Brad Marchand's Free Agency Verdict Revealed as Leafs Fans Watch Closely Is Brad Marchand worth signing for Toronto? | ||
| Yes | 294 | 39.7 % |
| No | 446 | 60.3 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
