There are a few truisms surrounding Brad Marchand as free agency is slated to get underway in a few days: Marchand won a record five series against the Toronto Maple Leafs, he’s going to be one of the most-sought after players on the market, and he’s having the time of his life toying with prospective teams. Nick Kypreos joined Leafs Morning Take on June 20 where he stated it seemed like a near-certainty that Marchand would join the Maple Leafs. The 37-year-old was still enjoying the spoils of victory with Florida Panthers teammates Sam Bennett and AJ Greer, when Kypreos made his assertion, responding to The Leafs Nation on Instagram:
“Shit dawg….. the people wanna see it???” Marchand asked, spurring the idea that he’s seriously considering joining the Maple Leafs. It was an idea that was once considered unfathomable, but during a summer where Maple Leafs general manager Brad Treliving has promised a DNA change, there is no player better constituted to make a change to the internal makeup of the team than Marchand.
As for Leafs fans, the pursuit of Marchand may have spiralled past the point of cognitive dissonance. Marchand has operated as arguably the greatest villain of the past 15 years, as he habitually tormented the Maple Leafs as a member of the Boston Bruins, posting a three-goal, eight-point performance in 2024. In new threads, in a new home and in a new role alongside Anton Lundell and Eetu Luostarinen, Marchand drove the Panthers back into their second-round series with a Game 3 overtime winner, posting an identical series statline from 2024.
For what it’s worth, I’ve clearly advocated for Marchand to the Maple Leafs this summer, but it’s still a bit strange to have it written out. Marchand is reportedly considering offers from the Panthers and Maple Leafs, with the defending champion appearing to be in the lead for his services. If Marchand does elect to sign a three-year deal worth $8 million annually with the Maple Leafs, how would his perception change among the fan base? Would Marchand be immediately accepted as a key part of the team, who remains elite at drawing penalties, with a nearly unmatched ability to raise his game by a tier or two during the playoffs?
Confirmed: Summer of Brad continues.. 👀 @TLNdc pic.twitter.com/DH66KV9Aur
— Nick Alberga (@thegoldenmuzzy) June 20, 2025
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“I think if you look at the heat this team catches, it’s actually really unfortunate,” Marchand said following the Panthers’ 6-1 demolition of the Leafs in Game 7. “They’ve been working at building something really big here for awhile, and they were a different brand of hockey this year, and they’re getting crucified, and I don’t think it’s justified just because they weren’t able to do it. We’re a really good and deep team too, and that’s how things go sometimes.”
Marchand has spent large portions of his career dominating the Maple Leafs on the ice, and taunting the fan base off the ice. He’s also matured throughout his career, he’s one of the NHL’s best quotes, he’s beloved by his teammates and is the reigning runner-up for the Conn Smythe Trophy. It may take some time to get used to, but Marchand ought to be a top target for the Maple Leafs, even it may be initially difficult to picture him starring for the blue-and-white next fall.
Get ready for wall-to-wall coverage of one of the biggest days in the calendar — the Daily Faceoff Live Free Agency Special goes live on July 1st at 11 AM EST. Host Tyler Yaremchuk is joined by Carter Hutton, Matthew Barnaby, Jeff Marek, Hart Levine, Colby Cohen, Jonny Lazarus, and insiders from across the Network for three hours of in-depth analysis, live reactions, and real-time updates on every major signing and trade. From blockbuster deals to under-the-radar moves, we’re breaking it all down as it happens. Don’t miss a minute — catch the full special live on DailyFaceoff.com and Daily Faceoff’s YouTube.