Brad Marchand's sudden future doubts ignite Leafs, Oilers bidding war and leave Panthers in limbo
As the Florida Panthers battle the Edmonton Oilers in the 2025 Stanley Cup Final, whispers about Brad Marchand's NHL future are growing louder—and more expensive. After a standout playoff run that reignited his reputation, the 36-year-old veteran is reportedly attracting major interest across the league, with teams like the Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers emerging as potential suitors.
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Brad Marchand proves he still has gas left in the tank during playoff surge
Brad Marchand, once the heart of the Boston Bruins, reinvented himself this season with the Panthers after a surprising late-career move. The gritty winger seamlessly fit into Florida's hard-hitting system, helping the team surge through the playoffs. He played a pivotal role in narrowing Toronto's series lead with a dramatic overtime goal in Game 3—his fifth game-winning postseason goal against the Leafs.
But despite his impact, Marchand's time in Florida may be short-lived.
Insider reports reveal interest from multiple teams, including big spenders
Brad Marchand (Imagn Images)
According to NHL insider Chris Johnston, 'Brad Marchand will have plenty of teams interested, some willing to offer $8M per.' The Panthers, he added, are 'unlikely to be able to keep him.' That quote has stirred intense speculation that the Leafs or Oilers could go 'all in' on Marchand when free agency opens on July 1.
TSN's Bryan Hayes and Jeff O'Neil even endorsed the idea during a recent discussion. '100%-110%. I confirm it,' Hayes declared.
O'Neil added, 'Yes, I confirm it. Why not?'—a dramatic shift in tone for fans who once viewed Marchand as Toronto's biggest playoff nemesis.
Brad Marchand hints this could be his last Stanley Cup Final appearance
Amid the rumors, Marchand himself has been reflective. Speaking to NHL.com's Amalie Benjamin, he acknowledged, 'Statistically, it'll most likely be my last one. Hopefully it's not, but that's just how this game works.' He echoed that sentiment with Elliotte Friedman, saying, 'I've thought about...
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potential situations. But till you really know what options are like, it's all theoretical.'
Still, Marchand is focused on the present. 'I kind of parked all that, and I'm just especially right now just being in the moment and enjoying it,' he said. Wherever he lands next, one thing is clear: Marchand isn't done making waves.
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