Elliotte Friedman Links Brad Marchand to One Specific Canadian Team

NHL insider Elliotte Friedman recently revealed that he believes the Toronto Maple Leafs will definitely be in on Brad Marchand when he hits the open market.

Could one of Toronto's most hated rivals, Brad Marchand, find himself wearing a Maple Leafs jersey next season? It isn't outside the realm, NHL insider Elliotte Friedman proposes on his new '32 Thoughts' podcast.

The Maple Leafs are one of the teams very seriously interested in the veteran forward, now a pending UFA, after helping the Florida Panthers win the Stanley Cup against the Edmonton Oilers, Friedman said.

Marchand, acquired by Florida at the deadline from Boston, contributed mightily to the Panthers' quest for the Cup, especially against the Leafs.

He won Game 3 in overtime and had three points in Florida's Game 7 victory, continuing his long-time dominance of Toronto.

Marchand knows how to beat the Leafs, so Toronto likely wants him on their side

The 36-year-old has now beaten the Leafs five straight Game 7s, four with the Bruins, and once as a Panther, and in the process made NHL history.

Friedman initially pegged Marchand at a three-year, $8 million AAV deal, but now believes the figure can go even higher, either in salary or term or both. Besides the Leafs, he also included Utah among the top bidders.