Toronto Maple Leafs will try to sign Marchand in free agency: report
If you can’t beat him, you may as well try to sign him.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are setting their sights on one of their fiercest enemies if he hits the free agent market this week. There has been a lot of smoke on a potential Brad Marchand extension with the Florida Panthers, but with free agency just a few days away, the veteran agitator could still sign with another team.
Despite being public enemy number one in Toronto, the Leafs are reportedly very interested in making a run at Marchand if he doesn’t stay in sunny South Florida. The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun reported on Sunday morning that several teams will be in on Marchand if he hits the open market, including the Leafs.
“As we wait to see Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, several teams, including Boston and Toronto, hope to talk to him come Tuesday when the market opens,” LeBrun wrote.
As we wait to see Brad Marchand’s decision with Florida, several teams including Boston and Toronto hope to talk to him come Tuesday when the market opens, if he doesn’t re-sign with the Cup champs. The Bruins would certainly be open to bringing him back. But again, perhaps…
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) June 29, 2025
Marchand admitted earlier in the playoffs that he grew up cheering for the Leafs, so that could give the Leafs a bit of an advantage if he opts to test the market. Marchand has indirectly commented on the possibility of signing in Toronto, sending a message beneath an Instagram post shortly after he won the Stanley Cup.
“Sh*t dawg… the people wanna see it?” Marchand wrote under a post suggesting he sign with the Leafs.
Brad Marchand’s insane social media run rolls on. #TimeToHunt #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/q4kbsTuFJ4
— NHL News (@PuckReportNHL) June 20, 2025
There will certainly be stiff competition for his services. The 37-year-old potted 10 goals and 20 points during his Stanley Cup championship run, showing that he still has the juice to be a productive player despite his age.
Among those vying for him will be his former Boston Bruins club, which LeBrun said would welcome him back with open arms if he so chooses.
The Leafs have been eliminated in the playoffs by Marchand a total of five times since 2013. Signing him in the offseason would ensure that a sixth time wouldn’t be in the cards next season.