Brad Marchand linked to the Maple Leafs as hopes of long playoff run waver

Most fans are just starting to get used to Brad Marchand in a Florida Panthers’ jersey that his name is already linked to another surprising contender. The veteran forward and former Boston Bruins captain is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer and several suitors are lining up. However, no one expected that the Toronto Maple Leafs would be amongst them.

According to Adam Proteau of the Hockey News, the Maple Leafs have no choice but to consider adding Marchand to their roster this summer in order to fill a need for grit along with a ton of offensive production. Especially if contract negotiations with pending free agent Mitch Marner turn sour. Here is Proteau’s reasoning:

“Okay, before you get snippy, hear us out: let’s assume the Maple Leafs falter early in the playoffs once again this spring.

“In the wake of that disappointment, there will likely be a massive change in Toronto - and what better way to effect significant culture change than to sign a proven winner and Leafs-haunter in Marchand?

“He’d have to acclimate to playing in the huge hockey fishbowl that is Toronto, but it’s not as if Marchand isn’t used to that in Boston.

“The Leafs might be a bigger long-shot than Pittsburgh on this list, but if Marchand values playing in another Original Six market where hockey is everything, he could spend his remaining few seasons in Toronto and be an integral part of what could be something special.

“The Leafs would be motivated buyers for him, and he’d fill an obvious need for grit and spunk.”

Proteau isn’t the only one seeing a fit between Marchand and Toronto as Leafs insider Jonas Siegel of the Athletic also believes the former Bruin could join his old nemesis as a Plan B if Marner walks this summer.

“They will certainly have ample cap space, with Marner’s absence creating a $13 million hole in their salary allocation. It might also make sense to add two wingers, increasing their scoring depth.

In that case, Brad Marchand could be one intriguing option.”

It may be hard to grasp at this time but Marchand would be a wild change for the Maple Leafs… and that might be what’s needed. Especially if Toronto cannot get a long playoff run this time around. Marchand would bring playoff experience and leadership, and at this point, it could be the major shake-up the Leafs need to finally reach the Final.

This one will be fun to watch this summer. In the meantime, Marchand faces the Maple Leafs tonight in Toronto.