Marchand actually had really kind things to say after eliminating Toronto Maple Leafs
Brad Marchand may be one of the most hated players by Toronto Maple Leafs fans, but that didn’t stop the agitator from praising his old rivals.
The 37-year-old had every right to be a bit of a jerk, as he is now 5-0 when it comes to playing the Leafs in Game 7 situations, the only player in NHL history to do such a thing to a single team.
However, that was not the case. The Florida Panthers dominated Game 7 in Toronto to the tune of a 6-1 victory, but Marchand decided to take the high road after the fact. He praised this iteration of the Maple Leafs and said that this year’s team was a different breed compared to previous years.
“This one was probably the one I was most nervous for,” Marchand told Sportsnet’s Kyle Bukauskas. “I wasn’t just pumping their tires; they’re a different team this year, and we got the bounces tonight, but they were competing at a much higher level.
“I give them a lot of credit. They competed way harder than they ever have.”
"You don't get to be part of teams like this very often. I feel very blessed and excited about this opportunity."
Brad Marchand talks with @sportsnetkyle winning his first Game 7 as a member of the Florida Panthers pic.twitter.com/ThexqA58du
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 19, 2025
There is no other player/team rivalry quite like Marchand and the Leafs. The veteran pest has gone up against the Leafs countless times in his career while a member of the Boston Bruins and continues to find a way to get under the skin of the fanbase, even in Florida.
After so many battles, you’d think he would find another victory against Toronto to be a tad bit sweeter than defeating another opponent. When asked about this post-game, Marchand gave an interesting answer.
“I think the thing about Toronto is their fans are very in your face, they’re aggressive, and they let you hear it all the time,” Marchand said. “I enjoy that part of it… I grew up a Leafs fan, I enjoy playing against the Leafs.
“When I come in here and get booed… I’m going to enjoy that.”
"I grew up a Leafs fan. I enjoy playing against the Leafs." – Brad Marchand pic.twitter.com/Ako13bBCu0
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 19, 2025
The temperature around the Leafs is about to be turned up a few degrees heading into a summer full of question marks. Both Mitch Marner and John Tavares are pending UFAs, and the fanbase is as frustrated as ever with the team.
When you add the immense media pressure surrounding the team as well, it’s gonna make for an interesting offseason for the Leafs. Marchand also commented on the environment that the Leafs have to play in and how it’s unfortunate for the players in Toronto.
“If you look at the heat this team catches, it’s really unfortunate,” Marchand said. “They’ve been working at building something really big for a while, and they were a different brand of hockey this year.
“They’re getting crucified and I don’t think it’s justified.”
Brad Marchand speaks about his Game 7 record against the Maple Leafs pic.twitter.com/CKcu3zlKGx
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) May 19, 2025
It’s strange to see Marchand be so kind to a Leafs team and fanbase that he’s tortured for the better part of the decade. The good news, perhaps, is that Marchand cannot play forever and, at the age of 37, his reign of terror may be coming to an end sooner rather than later.
Until then, however, the Maple Leafs will have to continue to find ways to beat him.