Brad Marchand is coming to the end of his NHL career, and now we know what term he wants on what may be his last contract before retirement.
The Florida Panthers are on the verge of going back-to-back in 2025, and if they accomplish that feat, former Boston Bruins captain Brad Marchand will be a big reason why, especially after sealing Game 2 with a dramatic overtime winner.
At 37-years of age, Marchand could use this Stanley Cup Playoffs brilliance and turn it into a huge deal in free agency, and with the Panthers likely to retain Sam Bennett on a long-term deal, it's likely that Marchand will hit the open market.
There's likely going to be plenty of interest for Marchand as well, with the Toronto Maple Leafs and Winnipeg Jets both tabbed as two teams that could tally big time offers for the veteran star, with others expected to join the race as well.
Now, TSN's Chris Johnston has revealed one of Marchand's major contract demands ahead of free agency, noting that the long-time Bruins star wants 3-4 years on his next deal, and if that happens, it will likely carry him into his age 40 season and potential retirement.
While some teams could scoff at the idea, worrying that age may see Marchand's play decline over the term of that deal, Johnston notes that many bidders would be willing to do that, especially knowing what Marchand brings both on the ice and off the ice as a leader in the locker room.
Ultimately, there's likely going to be a bidding war for Marchand, with very few big names available on the open market this off-season, and with this potentially being his last deal in the NHL, don't be surprised to see a four year deal for the superstar forward as he looks to cash in one last time in his career.
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