Maple Leafs Gearing Up For Surprising Run at Panthers' Brad Marchand: Report
Maple Leafs Gearing Up For Surprising Run at Panthers' Brad Marchand: Report originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
After another early playoff exit, the Toronto Maple Leafs could make some drastic changes this offseason. The team has a few key players entering free agency, and a few of them could depart the team.
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The roster may look very different next season, with general manager Brad Treliving needing to do something to shake things up. Toronto is expected to lose star Mitch Marner on the open market, but they could be looking to replace him with another star player.
NHL insider James Mirtle of The Athletic has linked the Maple Leafs with Florida Panthers star Brad Marchand. Marchand will be a free agent and could have a commanding market.
"Would a big run at Marchand make sense, even with his age and sky-high asking price? It certainly looks like a real option, especially considering his ability to rise to the occasion in the playoffs — and the alternatives.", Mirtle wrote.
Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) reacts after scoring a goal on Edmonton Oilers goaltender Stuart Skinner (74) during the second period in game two of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Rogers Pl... Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images
Marchand has been a thorn in the side of the Maple Leafs for years, but his playoff production could be just what Toronto needs. The veteran has been incredible for the Panthers this postseason, posting seven goals and 10 assists in 19 games.
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One of the biggest issues for the Maple Leafs over the years has been the team shrinking in the playoffs, and Marchand could help with that. The veteran is expected to receive a massive contract this summer, so Toronto would need to open the checkbook to land him.
But it could be massively worth it, especially to maximize the majority of this core before it's too late.
Related: Panthers' Brad Marchand Receives Eye-Opening Free Agency Prediction
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 9, 2025, where it first appeared.
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