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
39 minutes ago
- Time of India
How to watch 2025 NHL Awards live: Time, channels and streaming details
NHL (via Getty Images) With the 2025 Stanley Cup Final heating up between the Florida Panthers and the Edmonton Oilers, the highlight momentarily moves to individual brilliance as the 2025 NHL Awards airs just before Game 4. From elite goaltenders to top rookies and MVP-level superstars, the game's best will be honored for their season-long brilliance in a one-hour primetime special live from Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Where and how to watch the 2025 NHL Awards live tonight Both U.S. and Canadian fans will have many ways they can watch the NHL Awards presentation later this year. The program is broadcast on Thursday, June 12 at 6 p.m. ET (3 p.m. PT). TV Broadcast: TNT (USA), Sportsnet (Canada) Streaming: Sling TV, DirecTV Stream (USA) The event will be broadcast live mere hours before the puck falls for Game 4 of the Stanley Cup Final between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers, adding to the hype around one of hockey's most marquee nights. Tune in to the 2025 NHL Awards Tomorrow on TNT, Sportsnet Finalists and winners: NHL recognizes excellence in 2025 A few of the awards handed out this season remain to be awarded, although several winners have already been announced. Florida Panthers captain Aleksander Barkov won his second consecutive Frank J. Selke Trophy, while Nikita Kucherov took the Ted Lindsay Award, voted on by other NHL players as the most impressive player of the year. Below is a glance at the leading categories remaining to be awarded and their finalists: Hart Memorial Trophy (League MVP) Nikita Kucherov, RW, Tampa Bay Lightning Leon Draisaitl, F, Edmonton Oilers Connor Hellebuyck, GK, Winnipeg Jets Vezina Trophy (Top Goaltender) Connor Hellebuyck, Winnipeg Jets Darcy Kuemper, Los Angeles Kings Andrei Vasilevskiy, Tampa Bay Lightning Norris Trophy (Best Defenseman) Quinn Hughes, Vancouver Canucks Cale Makar, Colorado Avalanche Zach Werenski, Columbus Blue Jackets Calder Trophy (Top Rookie) Macklin Celebrini, C, San Jose Sharks Lane Hutson, D, Montreal Canadiens Dustin Wolf, GK, Calgary Flames Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship & Skill) Jack Eichel, Vegas Golden Knights Anze Kopitar, Los Angeles Kings Brayden Point, Tampa Bay Lightning Jack Adams Award (Best Coach) Scott Arniel, Winnipeg Jets Spencer Carbery, Washington Capitals Martin St. Louis, Montreal Canadiens Also read: "It was a surprise to me': NHL awards John Garrett long-overdue assist on Gordie Howe's final goal Though the Stanley Cup is the ultimate glory, the 2025 NHL Awards provide a richly deserved respite to highlight individual genius. Whether it's a veteran building upon his legend or a rookie establishing himself, Thursday night's ceremony is sure to be a celebration of excellence league-wide. Catch as hockey's finest are recognized before the season's biggest game gets underway.
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
"Tell him to practice": Wayne Gretzky's daughter Paulina Gretzky's recent post with Dustin Johnson sparks questions about his U.S. Open focus
Wayne Gretzky's daughter, , is all focused on being there for her husband, pro golfer Dustin Johnson, who is gearing up for the U.S. Open Championship, which begins today. Previously, Paulina Gretzky, along with their two sons, was spotted at the PGA Championship, where she even wore her husband's jersey to cheer him on. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now But it seems like Paulina Gretzky's recent post with her husband, Dustin Johnson, has raised eyebrows about his preparation for the U.S. Open Championship 2025. Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky's recent post with husband, Dustin Johnson, raise eyebrows on his preparation Recently, Paulina Gretzky posted an intimate picture with Dustin Johnson as the two posed for the cameras. Paulina Gretzky sported a beautiful lacy dress while Dustin Johnson looked handsome in a crisp white T-shirt that he paired with white trousers. The caption for the picture read as, '𝗇𝗈𝖻𝗈𝖽𝗒 𝖾𝗅𝗌𝖾' and fans are here for it. A fan wrote, 'DJ about to post a +15 and be home by Friday evening', while another fan joked, 'Clearly DJ is zoned in on the US Open this week. Grinding like never before.' A third fan wrote, 'Haha!! Very cute.. but DJ's boys have got to be dying!! Especially pic 3😂😂', while another user posted, 'Tell him start practicing golf. We miss the real DJ' A fifth fan noted, 'The chest hair undershirt was a wild choice'. Wayne Gretzky's daughter, Paulina Gretzky, has not responded to the speculations around her husband's focus on the U.S. Open Championship 2025. While Dustin Johnson gears up for U.S. Open Championship 2025, Wayne Gretzky, the NHL legend spoke about supporting the Edmonton Oilers before the 2025 Stanley Cup Finals began against the Florida Panthers. The NHL legend and one of the most talented players in the history of NHL was recently on Travis Kelce and Jason Kelce's podcast New Heights and spoke about the Oilers. He said, "I want you to know, I am the only guy in the TNT panel that picked Edmonton to get to the finals….' At the moment, the Florida Panthers are leading the game after they won consecutively in Games 2 and 3. Game 4 between the Edmonton Oilers and the Florida Panthers begins tonight. Also Read:
Time of India
an hour ago
- Time of India
Detroit's emotional 1998 Stanley Cup Game 4 still stands as NHL's most powerful moment
Red Wings 1998 Stanley Cup tribute still NHL's most emotional moment (Image via: Getty Images) As the Panthers and Oilers gear up for Game 4 of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, it's impossible not to look back at one of the most unforgettable Game 4s in NHL history. Detroit's 1998 championship win wasn't just about hockey, it was about healing, heartbreak, and honoring a fallen brother in the most sacred way. The game that redefined what Stanley Cup win can mean There have been thousands of NHL playoff games, but very few have shaken the sport to its emotional core like Game 4 of the 1998 Stanley Cup Final. The Detroit Red Wings weren't just playing for back-to-back titles, they were playing for Vladimir Konstantinov, the teammate who wasn't on the ice but never left their hearts. Just one year earlier, Konstantinov had helped Detroit break a 42-year Cup drought. Days after the victory parade, tragedy struck. A limousine crash left him with a traumatic brain injury, ending his playing career and changing the team forever. What followed was a season of resilience fueled by something deeper than competition—brotherhood. 1998 Stanley Cup Finals - Red Wings @ Capitals Game 4 When Detroit met the Washington Capitals in the 1998 Final, they were relentless. Game 4, held in D.C., was their mission's final chapter. Doug Brown opened the scoring, Martin Lapointe followed with a blistering slapshot, and Sergei Fedorov added to the lead. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 치아 고민 많은 중장년층, 부평 임플란트 상담 증가한 이유는? 플란치과 더 알아보기 Undo The Capitals managed one goal, but it never felt close. The Red Wings played possessed like the Cup was meant for more than medals or legacy. As captain Steve Yzerman hoisted the Stanley Cup, he didn't skate to a linemate or coach. He turned toward the tunnel. Out rolled Konstantinov in a wheelchair, dressed in his jersey, guided by Slava Fetisov. The crowd stood silent, then erupted. Yzerman placed the Cup in Vladdy's lap and that image became bigger than any stat line, any series, any era. Also Read: Detroit's emotional 1998 Stanley Cup Game 4 still stands as NHL's most powerful moment As the Oilers fight for survival and the Panthers look to tighten their grip on the 2025 Final, fans will talk stats, matchups, and momentum shifts. But Game 4 of 1998 reminds us of something else: the Stanley Cup is at its best not just when it crowns the strongest team but when it honors the strongest bond.
