5 Teams Expected To Target Panthers' Marchand

After the playoffs Brad Marchand has and the likelihood that he is hitting the open market on July 1, many teams are interested in adding the veteran who is still playing great hockey. The feeling is that a team will overpay and give too much term to the 37-year-old and the latter half of his contract won't look the best, but he's going to be signed for his immediate impact during the regular season and the playoffs.

Elliotte Friedman said that the Utah Mammoth, Los Angeles Kings, Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, and Toronto Maple Leafs are expected to be in on Marchand this offseason.

The Mammoth are looking to make a big move and their forward group is what makes the most sense to upgrade. There is a gap between the top players and the rest of the team and Utah is looking to add more scoring for sure. There is lots of cap space to make a signing like Marchand and the team is in on a lot of names.

LA has over $21 million in projected cap space and do need to look at upgrading multiple positions. They continue to lose to the Edmonton Oilers in the first round and have to find a way out of that. A playoff game-changer like Marchand would definitely give them a different look and a better chance than previous seasons.

The Capitals' defense and goalies are set, but the forward group needs a good deal of work with many players coming off the books. The team has over $9 million in cap space and Marchand would be a key addition to the second or third line. With Alexander Ovechkin looking like he's done in the NHL after next season, the Capitals wouldn't be left with nothing if they give Marchand a few more years on a deal. The Capitals are a top team that Marchand could win with.

The Devils have already made some moves and they are going to look a lot different with Tomas Tatar, Eric Haula, and Cody Glass already gone. The team has over $14 million in projected cap space and really only Luke Hughes to re-sign. Whether he gets a bridge deal or a long-term deal, I think the Devils will have at least $7 million to spend on Marchand. The Devils have to make sure they have a chance in the playoffs with the talented team they have.

The Maple Leafs look to have a lot of money to work with since Mitch Marner is likely to hit free agency. The team also needs another top-6 player then. He has been in the Atlantic Division his entire career and could very well stay there. Many seem to think it's a likely chance, but with the rivalry Marchand and the Maple Leafs have had for so many years, who knows. Toronto at least makes the playoffs each season and they've started to get out of the first round now.