Brad Marchand's playoff dominance sparks free agency buzz as Panthers push for Stanley Cup glory
Brad Marchand expiring contract sparks interest from teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs (Getty Images)
Brad Marchand is making waves this postseason—not just with his clutch performances, but also with the growing intrigue surrounding his future in the NHL. Traded from the Boston Bruins to the Florida Panthers at the deadline, the 37-year-old veteran has become an unexpected star of the 2025 Stanley Cup Playoffs, and the buzz around his next move is only getting louder.
Brad Marchand's postseason performance proves he's still a difference-maker
Few could've predicted just how valuable Brad Marchand would be for Florida. In just 19 games, the seasoned winger has notched 17 points, including seven goals and 10 assists. More importantly, he's delivered when it matters most, scoring two game-winning overtime goals—one of them sealing a crucial victory in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final.
That goal not only lifted the Panthers but also cemented Marchand's place in the record books.
With his Game 2 winner, Marchand now holds the most career Stanley Cup Final goals among active NHL players, pulling ahead of Corey Perry, Ondrej Palat, and Evgeni Malkin. The NHL Network highlighted his achievement, which showcases his ability to perform under pressure, even as he approaches 40.
Free agency looms as Maple Leafs reportedly express interest
With Marchand's contract set to expire—an eight-year, $49 million deal signed in 2016—the speculation around his next destination is heating up.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn
IC Markets
Đăng ký
Undo
The Toronto Maple Leafs are among the teams reportedly interested in acquiring the veteran, but Marchand hasn't ruled out staying with the Panthers.
Speaking to ESPN's Greg Wyshynski, Marchand addressed the uncertainty surrounding his free agency, stating: 'Yeah, I've thought about it. But we'll deal with that in the future… There are teams where that absolutely matters. It doesn't matter for every player, but when you're dealing with guys that have a choice between multiple teams, it absolutely plays a part.
If you have two teams that are offering the same contract, you're going to pick the team with less tax.
'
Also Read:
Brad Marchand's sudden future doubts ignite Leafs, Oilers bidding war and leave Panthers in limbo
As the Panthers prepare for Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers, Marchand remains a central figure in their quest for a title. The puck drops Monday night at 8 p.m. EST at Amerant Bank Arena—and all eyes will be on Marchand, both for what he'll do next on the ice and where he'll land this offseason.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
4 hours ago
- Time of India
Marchand power, team grit propel Panthers to commanding lead in Stanley Cup final battle against Oilers
The Florida Panthers delivered a statement to the hockey world Tuesday night(June 10), overwhelming the Edmonton Oilers 6–1 in a physical, penalty‑filled Game 3 at Amerant Bank Arena. Their win gave Florida a commanding 2–1 lead in the best‑of‑seven Stanley Cup Final . Just 56 seconds into the game, Brad Marchand struck first, becoming the oldest player in NHL history to score in the first three games of a Stanley Cup Final. His goal kicked off a Panthers scoring spree. 'Brad shows up when it matters,' said center Carter Verhaeghe. Marchand's goal ignited the rooftop crowd and set Florida's tone. His clutch scoring in high-stakes moments underlines his legacy. Panther's depth The Panthers showcased their depth: Carter Verhaeghe, Sam Reinhart, Sam Bennett , Aaron Ekblad, and Evan Rodrigues all banged in goals. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky stood tall with 32 saves, weathering early Oilers moments. Live Events In contrast, Edmonton's only tally came on a power play by Corey Perry, showing that veteran grit still runs through the Oilers' veins. Game 3 exploded into chaos in the third period. A line brawl erupted after Panthers' Trent Frederic cross-checked Sam Bennett, with seven players sent off for misconduct. Both teams racked up 140 penalty minutes, the fourth-most in Stanley Cup history. While Marchand grabbed the headlines, Sam Bennett also shone as he nabbed his 14th goal of the playoffs, once again underscoring his rising influence. Bennett, visibly fired up in the brawl, carried the physical energy Florida thrived on. Florida winger Jonah Gadjovich, who debuts as a Stanley Cup Final rookie, shared his journey as he noted the balance between developing as a father of twin daughters and competing on the sport's biggest stage. Panthers fans chanted 'We want the Cup' as Game 3 ended. Florida now stands on the brink of a commanding 3–1 lead. Edmonton must recalibrate discipline and composure before Game 4 on Thursday night(June 12), or risk letting momentum slip away.
Time of India
6 hours ago
- Time of India
Why did 2025 NHL Draft prospect Michael Misa win the prestigious E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence?
Michael Misa wins E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence (Getty Images) In what's shaping up to be a dream summer for Michael Misa, the highly-touted hockey phenom has been honored with the 2025 E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence — a recognition that celebrates not just athletic prowess, but the very core of what makes a future NHL star. At just 17, Misa has captured the attention of the hockey world. A native of Oakville, Ontario, and captain of the Saginaw Spirit in the OHL, he led the entire Canadian Hockey League in scoring during the 2024-25 season — the first player in franchise history to do so. How did top 2025 NHL Draft talent Michael Misa earn the E.J. McGuire Award for excellence? With an astonishing 134 points (62 goals, 72 assists) over 65 games, Michael Misa's offensive dominance came with a streak of 28 consecutive games with at least one point, along with 46 multi-point games and 16 multi-goal performances. But this award isn't just about stats. First introduced in 2015, the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence is given annually to a player who showcases outstanding character, competitiveness, and commitment to excellence — all of which Misa has personified. His journey began when he was granted exceptional status to enter the OHL a year early, a rare distinction that set the tone for a career filled with promise. Since then, Misa hasn't just lived up to expectations — he's shattered them. 'Michael Misa is the candidate most deserving of the E.J. McGuire Award of Excellence as he demonstrated the athleticism, compete and character that defines this award in his pursuit to be the best player he could be,' said Dan Marr, director of NHL Central Scouting. 'Receiving exceptional status to play as a 15-year-old in the OHL is a distinctive honour that comes with high expectations and Michael excelled in navigating his way forward with an impressive level of humility, consistency, and record-breaking play as one of the top prospects in this year's draft class.' This special honor was handed to Misa in style — with an engraved NHL crystal presented live on Sportsnet's pregame show, just ahead of Game 3 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena. Sharing the stage with Sportsnet host Ron MacLean, analyst Kevin Bieksa, and fellow top prospect Matthew Schaefer, Misa embraced the spotlight that's only expected to grow brighter in the coming weeks. As the NHL Draft approaches on June 27 in Los Angeles, Misa is widely projected to go in the top five. And with accolades like these, it's clear the young forward isn't just heading to the NHL — he's ready to make an impact the moment he gets there. Also Read: Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's workout fit has fans raising eyebrows
Time of India
7 hours ago
- Time of India
Sam Bennett's future in Florida uncertain: Panthers playoff star may walk after Stanley Cup run
Sam Bennett's impending free agency looms large (Imagn Images) As the Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in a gripping 2025 Stanley Cup Final, with the series tied 1-1, a storm is quietly brewing behind the scenes. One of their most impactful players, center Sam Bennett, is about to hit free agency—and the decision surrounding his future may define Florida's offseason. Sam Bennett's playoff brilliance adds pressure to Panthers' front office Sam Bennett has emerged as a clutch performer in this year's postseason. The 28-year-old has notched 13 goals and six assists across 19 playoff games, anchoring Florida's offense and becoming a pivotal figure in their quest for a second consecutive Stanley Cup. His postseason performance has far exceeded expectations, and it's earned him the attention of not just fans, but front offices across the NHL. Bennett's breakout campaign included his first-ever 50-point regular season, but it's his playoff dominance that's turning heads—and raising his market value. According to NHL insiders Pierre LeBrun and Chris Johnston of The Athletic, 'While Bennett is believed to have strong interest in signing a new deal with the Panthers, the unprecedented nature of his situation could lead to a difficult business decision in the next few weeks. ' Florida's cap crunch could make retention tricky The Panthers have built a roster capable of sustained success, but success comes with a price. Florida is already managing several high-value contracts, and Bennett's market value—now skyrocketing due to his playoff performance—could create a financial logjam. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Đăng ký Undo Even though Bennett's loyalty to the franchise is unquestioned, the Panthers will have to weigh long-term cap implications against the risk of losing a playoff-proven performer in his prime. Teams across the league will likely throw significant offers his way, making Florida's negotiation process even more delicate. Also Read: Connor Bedard sparks major league-wide changes as NHL free agency turns into a scramble For now, Bennett remains laser-focused on helping the Panthers hoist the Cup. But once the series ends, his future becomes one of the most talked-about storylines of the NHL offseason. Whether Florida can keep him or not will depend not just on mutual interest—but also on how far the Panthers are willing to stretch to retain one of their most valuable playoff weapons.
