NHL Rumor: 5 Teams Trying to Sign Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand could quickly become the biggest name on the free-agent market in a couple of days. With trade talks between the Maple Leafs and Golden Knights gaining steam on Mitch Marner, Marchand could find himself all alone at the top.

The 37-year-old winger turned back the clock this season after a move to the Florida Panthers, showing off his old dominant self throughout the Stanley Cup Playoffs, and playing a massive role in the Panthers winning back to back Stanley Cups. After being on a team-friendly contract in Boston for so long, Marchand is looking to cash in around a three-year deal worth $24 million or so, and will have some contract offers to consider from the following teams:

Toronto Maple Leafs

Leafs still remain a heavy favorite, which will be quite the turn of events for Marchand if he ends up on his childhood team. Playing for two rivals in the span of six months is something nobody saw coming for the former Bruins' captain. Marchand would bring a level of confidence and 'dog' in him to the dressing room, and GM Brad Treliving wanted to change the DNA, adding Marchand does that and more.

Colorado Avalanche

Don't sleep on the Avalanche. The Avs have moved Charlie Coyle, they moved Miles Wood, and now they have just under $9 million in cap space to work with. GM Chris MacFarland doesn't have a long list of free agents to sign, so it makes a ton of sense that the Avs cleared out just enough money to entice Marchand to sign on with his close friend Nathan MacKinnon. Losing Jonathan Drouin and replacing him with Marchand is a great upgrade for so many reasons, and intangibles that Marchand brings to the table.

Anaheim Ducks

The Ducks have the money, they have the interest, it's just what will Marchand want, that's the worry. If it's maxing out his AAV, playing hockey in sunny California, and being on a team that's going to battle just to get into the Stanley Cup Playoffs, than it's the Ducks. But, if he wants a legit shot at another Cup, he'll look elsewhere.

Carolina Hurricanes

It appears the Hurricanes are going to miss out on Marner, and while they also have their eyes on Nik Ehlers, adding both Ehlers and Marchand could be a huge summer for the Hurricanes. Carolina's GM Eric Tulsky is trying to make a huge splash, and adding both free-agent wingers, who bring very different games to the table, would boost their offence enough to make a serious run next season.

Los Angeles Kings

The Kings will make an offer to Marchand, and they'll also try to keep him away from the Avalanche and Ducks. LA tried to land Marner, and could still be in the mix there, until a deal is announced, as Ken Holland is looking to make a splash in his first summer as GM.