Toronto Maple Leafs Emerge as Surprise Destination for Brad Marchand
Brad Marchand was shockingly traded to the Florida Panthers at the deadline, but a new report shows that may not be the only surprise destination in his future.
It was quite a surprising turn of events for Brad Marchand at the trade deadline. From going to a miserable season in Boston to potentially lifting the Stanley Cup once again, it's been a whirlwind.
After being dealt to the Panthers, it meant they only got stronger, meanwhile teams have to seriously focus considering the level of talent and playoff experience Florida added. But he's still a free agent at the end of the season, and with no extension yet, he's more than likely testing the market.
There are several teams who are potential suitors for the former Bruins captain, but according to new reports, among those are one very intriguing team: His old nemesis, the Toronto Maple Leafs.
Marchand To Maple Leafs? Not As Wild As You Think
The Hockey News contributor Adam Proteau recently wrote an article naming a few teams who could be in play for the veteran, and naming the Maple Leafs as one of them, he explained his reasoning:
Okay, before you get snippy, hear us out: let's assume the Maple Leafs falter early in the playoffs once again this spring.
In the wake of that disappointment, there will likely be a massive change in Toronto - and what better way to effect significant culture change than to sign a proven winner and Leafs-haunter in Marchand?
He'd have to acclimate to playing in the huge hockey fishbowl that is Toronto, but it's not as if Marchand isn't used to that in Boston.
The Leafs might be a bigger long-shot than Pittsburgh on this list, but if Marchand values playing in another Original Six market where hockey is everything, he could spend his remaining few seasons in Toronto and be an integral part of what could be something special.
The Leafs would be motivated buyers for him, and he'd fill an obvious need for grit and spunk.
In the wake of that disappointment, there will likely be a massive change in Toronto - and what better way to effect significant culture change than to sign a proven winner and Leafs-haunter in Marchand?
He'd have to acclimate to playing in the huge hockey fishbowl that is Toronto, but it's not as if Marchand isn't used to that in Boston.
The Leafs might be a bigger long-shot than Pittsburgh on this list, but if Marchand values playing in another Original Six market where hockey is everything, he could spend his remaining few seasons in Toronto and be an integral part of what could be something special.
The Leafs would be motivated buyers for him, and he'd fill an obvious need for grit and spunk.
Not only would he fill a need for grit, but he would add a ton of offensive production and something Toronto desperately needs especially if they are going to lose Mitch Marner to free agency.
But in adding arguably their bitterest enemy, they would kill two birds with one stone.
Not only do they add a prove playoff producer who has won it all and be a leader in the postseason, but it takes him away from killing any momentum Toronto has if he's on the opposite side.
It may be a wild proposition, but Marchand can still be effective and if Toronto wants a serious change this summer, this would do it. In 63 games, he has 48 points (21G, 27A) and recently returned from injury, helping Florida secure an OT win.
So while it's not ever a guarantee, and Marchand could end up sticking in Florida if things go well, but if he doesn't?
He could line up in blue and white next season, it what might be the most bizarre image we've seen in quite some time.
| POLL | ||
MARS 31 | 829 ANSWERS Toronto Maple Leafs Emerge as Surprise Destination for Brad Marchand Will Brad Marchand end up signing with the Maple Leafs as a shock free agent in the summer? | ||
| Yes | 356 | 42.9 % |
| No | 473 | 57.1 % |
| List of polls | ||