Brad Marchand's Free Agency Plans for July 1 Catches Teams Off Guard
Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
NHL Insider Chris Johnston revealed that Brad Marchand's plans to test free agency and let a bidding war begin might have some teams panicking to sign him.
After reports surfaced that pending free agent Brad Marchand might end up getting a hefty raise this summer, and the Panthers might not be able to afford him, speculation rose as to who might be able to snatch up the veteran forward.
Brad Marchand creating a bidding war; get your checkbooks ready: Chris Johnston
NHL Insider Chris Johnston was speaking on his program "The CJ Show" on Wednesday, and explained that in addition to his report that Marchand might get a raise, he'll also incite a bidding war for his services:
For Brad Marchand, I do believe he is most likely to go to free agency on July 1.
I think he's going to be open-minded about where he ends up, and I truly believe there could be a bidding war for him because I think he'll consider different environments, different cities.
Like I don't think he's just going with three teams he likes, so if you're one of the 30 front offices who don't have any games this month and watching the Stanley Cup Finals from afar, how are you not watching this player and not think "What could he do for us?" - Chris Johnston, The CJ Show
I think he's going to be open-minded about where he ends up, and I truly believe there could be a bidding war for him because I think he'll consider different environments, different cities.
Like I don't think he's just going with three teams he likes, so if you're one of the 30 front offices who don't have any games this month and watching the Stanley Cup Finals from afar, how are you not watching this player and not think "What could he do for us?" - Chris Johnston, The CJ Show
It's hard to imagine a world where Marchand can't help a team in need, be it a contender or someone looking for a strong veteran presence.
Where could Brad Marchand end up this summer?
Wherever he wants really, considering that he's one of the most sought after free agents, if not for his production but for his playoff accomplishments and acumen alone.
One team who would absolutely benefit from his services are the Toronto Maple Leafs.
While the team has struggled to find any consistency when it comes to the playoffs, adding their biggest rival in recent memory would not only be a coup for Brad Treliving, but give teams a right scare.
Knowing the Maple Leafs would have Marchand in tow, with the offensive capabilities and that playoff x-factor, it could be enough to push the team into the Conference Finals.
They were essentially a Marchand-type player away from beating Florida in seven games, and he could have provided a clutch factor the team otherwise has no experience in providing.
He'll more than likely be a second or third-line player, but he has the ability to slide up and down wherever Craig Berube would want him, and will adapt quickly.
However, they aren't the only Atlantic team would might be going after Marchand.
The Bruins could heavily be involved in trying to bring back their former captain, at least as a way to send him off for his career; and he could be a great mentor to their younger players.
So too could Montreal, and the connection to the francophone market would endear Marchand immediately to the city, and he would be able to not only keep the media at bay, but do so in French; something the Canadiens fans will appreciate.
But now we can shift gears to a place like Vegas, where they can offer him a good salary, with lower taxes like in Florida, and provide a chance to go to a perennial contender.
Marchand, 37, is a veteran of 16 years, with 980 points in 1,100 career games, winning one Stanley Cup with the Bruins in 2010-2011.
Wherever he ends up though, there's no doubt that he will be an impactful player on and off the ice.
The only question that remains is how much is that worth in dollars at the end of the day?
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 543 ANSWERS Brad Marchand's Free Agency Plans for July 1 Catches Teams Off Guard Who do you think will end up signing Brad Marchand this summer? | ||
| Toronto Maple Leafs | 267 | 49.2 % |
| Boston Bruins | 116 | 21.4 % |
| Vegas Golden Knights | 107 | 19.7 % |
| Montreal Canadiens | 53 | 9.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
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