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Maple Leafs 'Make Sense' for Brad Marchand, But There's a Catch

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 13, 2025 9:35 AM ET

The Toronto Maple Leafs have made it clear they intend to reshape their roster and mindset this offseason.

General manager Brad Treliving confirmed the club is pursuing more than just personnel changes after another early playoff exit, citing the need to alter the team’s DNA.

“We’ve got to continue to change and evolve our mindset,” Treliving said during the end-of-season media availability. “We’ve got to find a way to create the team to be our very best at the most critical moments.”

With $25.7 million in projected cap space and roster flexibility, Toronto has room to pursue significant upgrades, depending on how it handles its own pending free agents.

One name being linked to the Leafs is Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand, who is currently playing in the Stanley Cup Final and set to hit unrestricted free agency on July 1.

NHL insider Chris Johnston reported on Thursday's episode of "The Chris Johnston Show" that Marchand could command a multi-year deal well beyond his $6.125 million AAV as part of the last contract extension he signed with the Boston Bruins.

“I’ve been saying he’s probably going to get a three-year contract,” Johnston said. “The more I talk to people around the league, the more I feel he might even get a four-year contract in free agency.”

Johnston also said that the Maple Leafs are among the teams that “make sense” for Marchand, especially given Treliving’s public comments on shifting the team’s culture.

“They have cap space to spend,” Johnston said. “Brad Treliving said he's looking for a DNA change. It could be a DNA transplant.”

Marchand, 36, has produced during Florida’s playoff run, and Toronto is a legitimate contender to sign him if the Leafs let one of Mitch Marner or John Tavares go, though the cost could prove challenging.

“He’s going to sign a major deal—north of $8 million,” Johnston said. “It could even be a four-year deal.”

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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