Brad Marchand Implies That He's Fully Open to a UFA Deal With the Maple Leafs
Photo credit: Kim Klement Neitzel Imagn Images
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand revealed that he has no limitations on where he will sign when free agency opens on July 1st, including with the Maple Leafs.
Acquired by the Florida Panthers at the trade deadline, former Boston Bruins forward Brad Marchand has continued to haunt the Leafs this season, coming out on top with Florida in their second-round series of the Stanley Cup Playoffs.
The 37-year-old had 8 points, including a goal and two assists in Game 7 during the Panthers' second-round series win over the Leafs and picked up a goal against the Edmonton Oilers in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Finals.
Ahead of Game 1 of the Cup Finals, Marchand sat down with Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman where they discussed his career, playing for the Panthers and his upcoming decision when he reaches free agency on July 1st and where he would consider playing.
"I've thought about potential situations. Until you really know what the options are it's all theoretical. Anything is on the table," said Marchand when asked if he would play for a Canadian team. "I'm going to listen to anything when the time comes and we'll see what the right fit is."
Brad Marchand Would Be An Incredible Addition for the Maple Leafs, But He Won't Come Cheap
TSN's Chris Johnston confirmed Marchand is open to playing just about anywhere on Thursday's edition of 'The CJ Show' where he also revealed the projected number it would take to sign the future Hall-of-Famer.
Marchand, who is finishing up his 8-year deal that carries a $6.125M cap hit is expected to land a raise of $2M or more according to Johnston on a 3-year deal.
"I've been led to believe $8M is about the number it's going to take... I believe he is going to test the open market. For Brad Marchand, I think he's going to be open-minded about where he ends up."
As the old saying goes, if you can't beat 'em, join 'em, and for the Leafs, despite Marchand's age, adding the former third-round pick would certainly be a major way to change the DNA of the forward group.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 6 | 6010 ANSWERS Brad Marchand Implies That He's Fully Open to a UFA Deal With the Maple Leafs Would Brad Marchand be a good fit for the Leafs? | ||
| Yes | 3860 | 64.2 % |
| No | 1269 | 21.1 % |
| His age is the only concern | 881 | 14.7 % |
| List of polls | ||
