As NHL free agency looms, one of the league’s most talked-about storylines centers around veteran winger Brad Marchand . After a decade-plus as the heart and soul of the Boston Bruins , Marchand was traded during the 2024-25 season to the Florida Panthers—only to help them win their second consecutive Stanley Cup . Now, with free agency opening on July 1, the 36-year-old forward is a hot commodity once again.
Bruins and Leafs expected to make strong pitches as Panthers look to retain Brad Marchand
Despite finding instant chemistry with the Panthers, Marchand hasn’t re-signed in Florida, opening the door for multiple teams to step in. According to respected TSN insider Pierre LeBrun, both the Boston Bruins and Toronto Maple Leafs are eager to speak with Marchand if he tests the open market.
“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 Marchand re-signs in Florida,” LeBrun posted on X (formerly Twitter).
The Bruins have plenty of room to maneuver financially, boasting over $23 million in cap space—an edge they hold over both the Maple Leafs and Panthers, who are more limited by the salary cap.
Not everyone agrees that a Brad Marchand-Boston reunion makes sense
While the story of Marchand returning to the Bruins would be poetic for fans, some NHL insiders remain skeptical about the move’s practicality. Veteran hockey reporter Jimmy Murphy dismissed the notion outright: “I would be stunned if Brad Marchand signed back with the #NHLBruins. Makes no sense for either side right now,” Murphy shared in response to LeBrun’s report.