Insider Drops Key Brad Marchand Update That May Shift Maple Leafs' Offseason Plans
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Chris Johnston revealed that Brad Marchand isn't likely to return to the Panthers, and could command upwards of an $8M salary come free agency.
Although he's currently set to fight for the Stanley Cup, Brad Marchand is still thinking about his potential free agency, even if he isn't outwardly showing his cards, and with a lot of potential suitors; he'll have his pick of the litter.
Brad Marchand could earn upwards of $8M per season: Chris Johnston
According to NHL Insider Chris Johnston, who was speaking on TSN 1050's First Up program on Wednesday, explained that he believes some teams are willing to pay Marchand upwards of $8M, and that the Panthers are unlikely to re-sign him:
He's gonna be the rare player at age-37 who gets a raise. He's been in Boston and now obviously with Florida, playing for a contract paying him just over $6M.
From what I've heard, I wouldn't be surprised if he got something like $8M for his next deal, look, rising cap and if you had any doubts taking him out of Boston; he was such a Bruin through and through, embodied the ethos of that organization, but you're seeing what he's doing in Florida.
He's the oldest player, and what he's done it's been a pretty impressive performance.
I think he will have quite a few options, and while the door isn't closed on Florida completely, I don't think they can afford to pay him I that price range, because they have a decision on Bennett, Ekblad, other contracts to work through. - Chris Johnston, TSN 1050
From what I've heard, I wouldn't be surprised if he got something like $8M for his next deal, look, rising cap and if you had any doubts taking him out of Boston; he was such a Bruin through and through, embodied the ethos of that organization, but you're seeing what he's doing in Florida.
He's the oldest player, and what he's done it's been a pretty impressive performance.
I think he will have quite a few options, and while the door isn't closed on Florida completely, I don't think they can afford to pay him I that price range, because they have a decision on Bennett, Ekblad, other contracts to work through. - Chris Johnston, TSN 1050
Well it's certainly a surprise given that you'd of expected Marchand to receive a modest, but fair deal though with a rising cap and teams desperate for a true playoff performer; he's gonna get paid.
But what could that mean for the Maple Leafs?
Brad Marchand might be worth the overpayment for Toronto
Look, it might seem crazy to pay Marchand that much money especially at his age but you have to understand why he could be even remotely close to that amount in the first place.
You're paying for a proven playoff demon who can and will change the course of a game whether it's through offense, defense, or playing the most subtle but effective mind games in order to gain an advantage.
It's almost impressive how much he can still get under the skin of people after they've dealt so long with it, and the fact he can still put up 50+ points is a testament to how good he actually is.
He's not just a pest, even though he's earned the moniker. In 175 playoff games, Marchand has 153 points (61G, 92A), 224 hits, 86 blocks, a plus-41 rating, and a whopping 14 game-winning goals.
That's something every team needs, but more importantly; the Leafs.
Torched for years by the former Bruins captain, biting the bullet and adding him to the team as a second or third line player could be a massive coup at the end of the day, and not just for his on-ice role.
The fact he could maneuver and essentially shut down the notorious Toronto media could end up giving his potential teammates a chance to breathe, and he would be more than welcome to answer any questions regarding both himself and the team.
You don't need to pay him for longer than a year or two, and at $8M he's still going to be affordable; especially if John Tavares ends up taking a steep discount.
Adding Marchand isn't really a lost cause either, as the forward is reportedly open to playing in Canada, and he was oddly complimentary of the team during the second round.
So it's looking like the potential to see Brad Marchand in a Maple Leafs jersey is growing higher by the day.
But so is his value, though it might in Toronto's best interest to cut their losses and bring him aboard regardless.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 5 | 489 ANSWERS Insider Drops Key Brad Marchand Update That May Shift Maple Leafs' Offseason Plans How much should the Maple Leafs pay yearly for Brad Marchand? | ||
| $4M | 127 | 26 % |
| $5M | 152 | 31.1 % |
| $6M | 146 | 29.9 % |
| $7M+ | 64 | 13.1 % |
| List of polls | ||
TRENDING NOW
