Blade of Steel has no direct affiliation to the Toronto Maple Leafs, NHL or NHLPA
NHL Insider Explains Why Brad Marchand is Going to Sign With the Toronto Maple Leafs
Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand is in the midst of a Stanley Cup run, but that is not going to stop Toronto Maple Leafs fans from fantasizing about free agency.
Brad Marchand is going to be one of the most sought-after names in free agency, and for good reason, given his track record in the NHL.
He is two wins away from his second Stanley Cup championship, and on July 1st, he will become a free agent seeking what could be the final contract of his career.
The Toronto Maple Leafs are considered to be one of the frontrunners for Marchand, and new reports suggest that the feelings between both sides are mutual.
Brad Marchand could choose the Toronto Maple Leafs
While appearing on TSN's 'First Up,' Chris Johnston revealed that Toronto is an ideal situation for Marchand because of the media landscape and the opportunities that present themselves from a monetary perspective.
Marchand can make a lot of money in Toronto thanks to endorsements and post-playing career opportunities. Other cities simply don't have these advantages.
One thing that isn't brought up, players in Toronto get paid more; it's the US/Canada dollar difference. They may pay higher taxes but they get paid in US dollars.
Next year is a big year, it's an Olympic year, and some brands are going to want to be attached to those with a name heading into the Games. There's immediate opportunities for playing in Toronto, but there are future ones too.
People remember you as a Maple Leaf. There's so many who have gone into sports media here in Toronto, if you have a personality and something the fans gravitate towards; that brings you a lot of future opportunities outside of hockey.
Next year is a big year, it's an Olympic year, and some brands are going to want to be attached to those with a name heading into the Games. There's immediate opportunities for playing in Toronto, but there are future ones too.
People remember you as a Maple Leaf. There's so many who have gone into sports media here in Toronto, if you have a personality and something the fans gravitate towards; that brings you a lot of future opportunities outside of hockey.
Based on recent reports from trusted insiders, Brad Marchand is looking for a contract that lasts between three and four years. Additionally, he could fetch upwards of $8 million per season.
Overall, the Marchand story is going to be a fascinating one. If the Panthers win the Stanley Cup, fans are going to be expecting him to stick around in Florida.
Either way, the veteran has a huge decision to make, and we do not envy his position whatsoever.
Only time will tell what he decides and whether or not the Leafs are going to be a significant part of his NHL story.
| POLL | ||
JUIN 11 | 366 ANSWERS NHL Insider Explains Why Brad Marchand is Going to Sign With the Toronto Maple Leafs Do you think Brad Marchand would actually sign with the Toronto Maple Leafs? | ||
| YES | 213 | 58.2 % |
| NO | 153 | 41.8 % |
| List of polls | ||