Much has already been made of Brad Marchand’s upcoming trip through unrestricted free agency, with recent reports indicating he could earn as much as $8MM a year given his durability and impressive postseason performance with the Florida Panthers. Piggybacking off that report, TSN’s Chris Johnston shared today on TSN 1050 that Marchand will prioritize earning maximization on his next contract, rather than term.
According to Johnston, Marchand isn’t limiting his desire to salary, adding that a team like the Toronto Maple Leafs could make up with off-ice endorsements for what they lack in available dollars to spend. If that is the case, it would likely broaden Marchand’s market to include other large-market teams, such as the Vegas Golden Knights, Vancouver Canucks, and New York Rangers, especially since these teams may not have as much financial flexibility as they approach the summer months.
Still, it wouldn’t be difficult for Marchand to find a new employer on the open market. He remains a capable top-six winger heading into his age-38 season, and his nearly point-per-game scoring average in the 2025 Stanley Cup playoffs should make him a priority for teams with a legitimate chance at the Stanley Cup next season.
Other notes from the Atlantic Division:
- After already being named the top player on his trade board, Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff lists Buffalo Sabre JJ Peterka as one of the likeliest candidates for an offer sheet this summer. It’s an interesting proposition to consider, as Seravalli lists Peterka’s potential offer sheet at the higher end of the fifth tier for compensation, which would require the signing team to send Buffalo their 2026 first, second, and third-round pick. Still, Buffalo has the financial flexibility to match nearly any offer sheet signed by Peterka, meaning they’ll have to weigh the hypothetical compensation against Peterka’s current value.
- The Ottawa Senators and veteran Claude Giroux have reportedly been negotiating a new contract for a few weeks, and Bruce Garrioch of The Ottawa Citizen shares that those contract talks have reached a pivotal stage. The two sides met last week during the NHL Combine in Buffalo, and they continue to work toward an agreeable deal. Giroux recently completed a three-year, $19.5MM contract with the Senators in which he scored 71 goals and 193 points in 245 games.
I can’t wait to see what foolish GM hitches his wagon to an old Marchand. I would sign him for next season at 2.5 million on a one year deal.
And this is why you’re not a GM. You’d have a team worse than Buffalo.
Just wait and see, Throwing money, And term at Marchand will go south in a hurry.
And Marchand would laugh at you and hang up. Even if he did only take a one year deal with the amount of suitors he’s going to have he’ll easily have offers over 6-7m. Just admit you hate him and have no clue about hockey.
And that would be fine, I’m not investing much into an old war horse.
He’s not going to go to a crappy team. He’s going to get 3/18 and be a force in the playoffs for those next 3 years.
Marchand isn’t going to Toronto. Stop beating that drum. He refused a trade that there at the trade deadline. He won’t no part of the Leafs
Ya that’s TSN reporting. They spend most of their time trying to link all players to the Leafs to satisfy their viewers. Either the player or their great aunt is from Toronto area, or there are endorsement deals waiting, or they grew up idolizing Mats Sundin. Yawn! He’s not going there.
Marchand on the Leafs would be insanity; as a Leafs fan I might spontaneously combust.
He’s the type of guy Carolina needs.
I don’t like playing against him, but would be good if he’s on my team. He’s been a beast in these finals.
What would prevent Marchand from signing a one year $2 million contract with the Panthers with a gentleman’s agreement they will resign him the following year at a higher aav when they have cap space?
That could be considered cap circumventing. Teams could be willing to ignore a 1M or so difference due to taxes and understand. But a 2.5-3M would get teams asking the league to investigate. Especially if he signed a contract worth about double the next season for longer term.
All Florida and Marchand have to do is sign a 1yr low $$ contract loaded with bonuses, the total contract could be 2m plus 5 mil in bonuses (which will be very easy) and the 4mil rolls over to the next season if Florida doesn’t have the cap space for the bonuses.
It’s a 35+ contract – but only allowed on 1 yr deals.
But I’d think Marchand will want a 3 yr deal? So no bonuses will be allowed
What is the obsession with a 37 year old who can go south on his very next shift? The league is getting faster by the minute .
The better question is what’s your angst against a .7PPG regular season player and 1ppg post season player in recent seasons who brings other intangibles? What would you pay Bennett to be a second line player next year? He’s gonna get paid like a top 3 but is a top 6 at best in regular season. 4-5M per for 2 years of Marchand or 8.5M+ for 6+ years of Bennett… Which looks better?
My question is better.
Maybe you should answer it then, because the only one who seems to have an obsession is you.
No angst, Or obsession, Just don’t see any value in Marchand going into next season.