Leafs' Longtime Nemesis Sends Message That Spells Trouble for the Matthews Era

There was a lot of talk this offseason about Brad Marchand potentially joining the Toronto Maple Leafs in free agency, given their need for scoring and in desperate need of a playoff producer.

it wasn't meant to be as Marchand decided to re-up with Florida on a six-year, $31.5-million deal which effectively keeps him around for good. It wasn't all about the money though, and Marchand seemed to have found new life with the club.

However, his recent comments may irk the Maple Leafs fanbase for years to come, as it seems like Marchand is going to be playing until the wheels fall off; potentially literally:

That's fantastic news for everyone who enjoys Marchand; so basically Panthers fans and that's it. But it means that the Maple Leafs are going to have to deal with him for the rest of the Auston Matthews era and history has not been too kind.

Marchand could be seen as Toronto's biggest rival, and while there might be a new sheriff in town at least when it comes to storied rivalries, the fact Marchand simply moved in between teams in the Atlantic; to the resident powerhouse nonetheless, is going to frustrate fans and the team.

He's had their number, and it doesn't matter if he's with Boston, Florida, heck he could be with Buffalo and somehow find a way to mess with the Leafs. If Toronto is the Superman, Marchand is undoubtedly their Kryptonite.

While Marchand's style of play may lead him to getting kicked out of games, there is no doubt that with the advances in medicine, conditioning, fitness, nutrition, and his access to some of the best doctors and physicians in the world will allow him to continue on for a long time.

Sure, he's 37, and he's signed until he's nearing his mid-40's, but the fact that he plays in a smaller role in Florida, coupled with his ability to stay healthy for the most part; he's only going to keep doing damage.

Last season Marchand scored 51 points in 71 games, but only managed four with the Panthers since being traded at the deadline. However, it was his postseason accolades that of course drove his success, adding 20 points in 23 games (10 goals, 10 assists).

It feels like it doesn't matter who the Maple Leafs bring in to prevent Marchand from doing what he does; be it Michael Pezzetta, or Dakota Joshua or guys like Ryan Reaves in years past.

2025-26 and beyond is going to continue to be the Year of the Rat, so long as Marchand keeps lacing up the skates.