Major Turnaround for Brad Marchand Ahead of Crucial Matchup vs. Maple Leafs

It was the deal that caught many off guard as the Boston Bruins traded long-time mainstay and captain Brad Marchand to the Florida Panthers in a move that could only be described as earth shattering.

It made Florida a powerhouse adding a player like Marchand, and clear favorites in the East.

But as they head into a surely heated contest with the Toronto Maple Leafs on Thursday, they may have their prized trade acquisition in tow; a huge boost for the Panthers and a nightmare for Leafs fans.

It's not guaranteed that he will play however him being on the first line rushes in a sign that he is on the mend and could potentially return against Toronto if all goes well.

Marchand, 36, has 47 points in 61 games for the Bruins (21G, 26A).

A continuous thorn in the side of Toronto, Marchand coming back for one of the most crucial games of the season is not news that Leafs fans want to hear.

In his 57 career games against Toronto, he has 57 points (21G, 36A) and only has better numbers against Buffalo in his lifetime. For the playoffs however, Marchand has a blistering 28 points in 28 games; his consistency for being a point per game player is astounding.

He's the type of player that has made the Maple Leafs' lives miserable for over a decade, and if he's not being and offensive nuisance, he's doing it with his attitude and propensity to bend the rules a bit.

Now that he's on Florida, he gets to make Toronto frustrated yet again, and it should not be understated how important Marchand will be to Florida in the playoffs. If he can bring the skillset (good and bad traits) he had with Boston; Florida are frontrunners to repeat.

If the Maple Leafs want to stand a chance this season against the Panthers now they have Toronto's kryptonite?

Hope he doesn't play. It's really the only chance they have.