Pierre LeBrun Details Scenario That Could Send Brad Marchand to Toronto

Both the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs were busy on Friday, as both teams ended up handing out some contract extensions. Sam Bennett sticks around for the next eight seasons in Florida, meanwhile John Tavares stays in Toronto for the next four.

Both deals are very important deals that had to get done before free agency opened up, and as much as you can dislike Florida and their tactics; GM Bill Zito pulled off a coup re-signing Bennett for a very reasonable amount ($8-million per year).

Their extension of Bennett however might lead them to being unable to pay several of their pending free agents, with the two biggest names being Aaron Ekblad and Brad Marchand.

Toronto has been linked heavily to both men, and while either one could certainly bring the culture change necessary, it seems like the Leafs are focusing their attention on Marchand.

According to NHL Insider Pierre LeBrun, who appeared on TSN's Insider Trading segment, the Maple Leafs are going to go all-in trying to get Marchand as they envision him playing top line minutes with the team.

From the sounds of it, the Panthers have already prepared a great offer and situation for Marchand, though it might be easier said than done; especially if Marchand feels like he deserves to be paid for his production.

If he does end up taking the free agent route, there's no doubt the first time waiting in line will be Toronto. Getting the chance to add such a game-changer in the postseason and truly give the team the culture shock they are looking for is too enticing to pass up, and with Tavares locked up cheap; they can afford to pay him.

Plus, it gives him something extremely challenging to accomplish in his career: Winning a Cup in Toronto. He knows how hard it is to win, and he knows the pressure the media and fans put on the team, but he's the best at navigating that presence and won't be swayed by any criticism.

Marchand, 36, is getting older however his production is still top tier. Adding 51 points in 71 games, he's only hit below 20 goals once in his career, and has 980 points in 1,100 games.

But it's the postseason where he truly shines. As clutch as can be, Marchand has 158 points in 180 games (66G, 92A) with a blistering 16 game-winning goals in the playoffs.

It's the type of player Toronto desperately needs, and if they are willing to pay him handsomely, there's no reason why he wouldn't want to play for the team he cheered for as a kid.

First was John Tavares, then came Steven Lorentz. Is Brad Marchand going to be the third player to join the blue and white and put on the jersey he dreamed of wearing as a kid?

We've really only got a few days until we know for sure.