3 Landing Spots That Make The Most Sense for Brad Marchand in Free Agency

Looking at the 3 best fits, and most likely destinations for pending UFA Brad Marchand

According to insider Chris Johnston, "multiple sources" feel that pending unrestricted free agent Brad Marchand will be able to command a contract worth in the $8 million AAV range, which would be the 37-year-old's biggest paycheck in his 16-year career.

Johnston also noted that Marchand will have a whole host of teams bidding for him on the open market. But which ones make the most sense? Let's have a look at the three best fits, and most likely destinations for the former Boston Bruins captain:

Toronto Maple Leafs

I know, it sounds crazy. The ultimate Leafs Killer. Marchand is 5-0 vs Toronto in Game 7s in his career (and, in fact, is the first player in NHL history to knock out the same franchise in that manner five times). He has 37 points in 35 total playoff games against the Leafs, with a plus/minus rating of +13.

But his propensity to destroy the Leafs in the postseason is one of the very reasons they should be out to bring him into the fold. His nastiness, grittiness and playoff acumen is exactly what the Buds need to "change the DNA" of their lineup, which is what GM Brad Treliving has said he wants to do.

On top of all that, Toronto holds a special place in the heart of the Halifax-born forward:

Could the Maple Leafs land Leaf-Killer Brad Marchand in free agency?

"I grew up a Leafs fan, and I enjoy playing against the Leafs," Marchand said after knocking them out once again this year. "I enjoy interacting with fans. It's fun... When I come in here and I get booed, I'm good. I'm going to show it. I'm going to enjoy that."

Insider Nick Kypreos confirmed that Marchand is becoming a "realistic" target for Toronto on Friday:

🚨 According to Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos, it’s seen as “more realistic” that the Leafs could end up signing Brad Marchand — who could slot in on Auston Matthews’ wing — rather than bringing in Sam Bennett.

Marchand has stated he’s going to “listen to anything. (We’ll) deal with… pic.twitter.com/JwV2wLsrkZ
— Leafslatest (@Leafslatest) June 6, 2025

If the Leafs do fall short in what should be their ultimate free agent target, Sam Bennett, then Marchand could be wearing blue & white next season.

St. Louis Blues

How about a reunion with his former Bruins coach, Jim Montgomery? He was only there for 2+ seasons, but the Bruins set the all-time NHL record with 135 points in his first season with Marchand & Co. The Blues are looking to take that next step after a heartbreaking defeat in the first round of the playoffs this season.

Jeremy Rutherford noted in The Athletic this week that St. Louis GM Doug Armstrong has interest in acquiring “a 200-foot offensive player.” Rutherford went on to describe Mitch Marner and Sam Bennett as the top targets, but perhaps Marchand, who certainly fits that 'two-way player' description, would be a nice backup plan.

Florida Panthers

The fit with Marchand in Florida has been obvious from the start, and he's doing nothing to discourage them from wanting him back. He has 15 points in 18 playoff contests this spring, and it just feels like a place he could call home for the rest of his career.

Can the Florida Panthers afford to re-sign Brad Marchand?

The only sticking point could be money. The Panthers do have $19 million in cap space to play with, but pending UFAs Sam Bennett and Aaron Ekblad would be higher priorities for them to retain, and they would eat up a huge chunk of that cap space.

As an honorable mention, the Vegas Golden Knights, with another former Marchand coach, Bruce Cassidy, could also be a nice fit—unless they blow their offseason machinations on finagling a way to land Marner and the $14 million he'll be looking for on the open market.