Brad Marchand Landing Spots: Where Could the UFA Sign?

Now that the 37-year-old budding NHL legend has won his second Stanley Cup, Marchand has an immediate opportunity to cash in on his performance in these playoffs.

It’s widely believed that Marchand will command a major asking price and potentially get the largest contract of his career this offseason. 

Chris Johnston, NHL Insider for The Athletic, reported that Marchand’s asking price will be near $8 million. 

“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,” he said. 

Here’s a ranking of teams that make the most sense, based on their ability to offer a desirable contract to Marchand and their chance of contention next season. 

Potential Brad Marchand Landing Spots

Blue Jackets

I’ll start with somewhat of a long shot. 

Despite a fantastic season for the Blue Jackets, they fell two points short of the final Wild Card spot in the Eastern Conference.  But I think they’re playoff woes will soon go away. 

There are a lot of good, young pieces on their roster who will help Columbus contend over the next few years. 

If you have $40 million to spend, why not attempt to sign a proven playoff force who can bolster your roster and mentor the aforementioned young talent?

Maybe Marchand would turn away the Blue Jackets because they’re more on the fringes of contention than they are full contenders. However, they’d probably be able to offer the highest amount of money to Marchand outside of San Jose, who is not yet a remote contender. 

Bruins

Much has been said and written about a potential reunion between Boston and their former captain, Marchand. But blogs, tweets, and speculation don’t mean much. What’s more important is what both sides have said publicly. 

On March 7, when Bruins GM Don Sweeney spoke with reporters about the trade deadline, he said that he would “never close the door” with Marchand. 

“I love Brad. I’ve said all along, we’ve been trying to sign Brad all year long. We just had a gap there, and I respect that. You know where he believes his market value is, and I hope he respects our position, because he’s beloved here,” Sweeney said. 

In his first press conference as a Panther, Marchand went out of his way to effusively praise the Bruins’ front office at a moment when many Boston fans were in revolt. 

“I don’t have any ill‑will towards the management group, towards Sweens, Cam, or Charlie, I’ve had an incredible run in that organization,” he said. 

Marchand specifically made a point to compliment Sweeney, saying, “I believe ‘Sweens’ is one of the best, if not the best, general managers in the league.”

Perhaps that bridge is burned, and maybe the door is more closed than they’re letting on in public. 

But the Bruins, however strange it is to say, need a Marchand-type player in their locker room. They have the cap space to get a deal done and playoff aspirations that could entice the 37-year-old. 

Hurricanes

It’s not being talked about much right now, but Carolina has a real chance to own this offseason and own free agency in particular. 

They are a contender to sign nearly anyone, given their cap situation and the team’s performance last season. 

The Hurricanes have just over $28 million in cap space to spend this summer, which is the highest of any of the genuine contenders in the NHL. 

Carolina’s GM Eric Tulsky told reporters that the team has “full buy-in to spend to the cap.”

“We have so much space and such a strong team, there’s no guarantees we can find ways to spend all that money, but we’re going to spend all summer trying,” he continued. 

Given the way they were gentleman’s swept by the Panthers, you may have forgotten that they made it to the Eastern Conference Finals. 

If Marchand is looking for another opportunity to chase rings and a team that can offer him the salary he wants — estimated to be around $8 million — then Carolina is a great contender to acquire the veteran forward. 

Panthers

This offseason will be a major test of Florida’s culture and their dynasty medal. Alongside Marchand, the Panthers also have Bennett and Ekblad becoming UFAs on July 1. 

Re-signing Bennett will obviously be their first priority after his Conn Smythe-winning effort in these playoffs. But Marchand, who contributed 10 goals in his 23 games played this postseason, will also be at the top of Florida’s list.

Panthers GM Bill Zito seems confident that they’ll be able to retain their UFAs, telling reporters after they won the Cup, “I think we can bring them all back.”

In postgame comments, Marchand was slightly less direct about his intentions, simply saying, “We’ll see what happens here soon.”

Florida has the best position in these sweepstakes, given the lack of a state income tax and the opportunity to repeat as champions, they should be the favorite to sign him.