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NHL Insider Hints at 'Brad Marchand Sweepstakes' Amid Stanley Cup Final

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Antonio Losada | Last updated Jun 7, 2025 7:49 AM ET

Brad Marchand scored twice in Game 2, including the double-overtime winner, as the Florida Panthers evened the Stanley Cup Final at one game apiece with a 5–4 win over the Edmonton Oilers.

It was the 10th career Final goal for the 37-year-old winger, more than any other active player.

Marchand, who’s playing out the final year of his contract, is poised to become one of the most sought-after names in the 2025 free agent class.

NHL insider Chris Johnston discussed Marchand's pending free agency in "The Chris Johnston Show" and said before Game 2 that the veteran forward is expected to test the open market.

Who do you got in the Brad Marchand Sweepstakes? #CJShow #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ksjcEhuDKN
— sdpn (@sdpnsports) June 6, 2025

"I think next season he’s going to make the most money he’s ever made in the NHL," Johnston said. "I think he’s getting a raise.

"I’ve been led to believe that $8 million is about the number it’s going to take."

Johnston said Marchand is keeping all options open, including Canadian and American teams, contenders and non-contenders alike.

"Marchand, to me, is worthy of that money," Johnston said. "It’s a rising cap environment."

Johnston said Florida has been a great fit for Marchand, but the Panthers may not be able to match what other teams offer due to cap constraints and other priorities like the need to re-sign fellow pending free agent Sam Bennett.

Ultimately, Johnston expects Marchand to hit free agency and made an effort to build as much excitement and hype about Marchand's free agency as he could.

"Get ready for the 'Marchand Sweepstakes,'" Johnston said. "I think we're just a few weeks away from the beginning."

Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final will be played in Sunrise, FL, on Monday night, with the series tied 1-1 and the Panthers now having home-ice advantage.

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

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