Florida Panthers winger Brad Marchand, the NHL's master agitator, couldn't resist stirring the pot during his first visit to Toronto this season. With a mischievous grin, the veteran forward revealed a tantalizing piece of hockey trivia that left Maple Leafs fans wondering what could have been.
The Free Agency Decision That Almost Was
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Marchand dropped a bombshell about his recent free agency. The two-time Stanley Cup champion confirmed that his decision this past summer ultimately came down to two teams: the reigning champion Florida Panthers and the Toronto Maple Leafs. "It was between Florida and Toronto where I was going to," Marchand stated. He admitted he never thought re-signing with the cap-strapped Panthers was possible, which made Toronto a very real alternative.
In the end, Marchand inked a six-year contract worth $31.5 million US to remain in Florida just as the market opened. However, he emphasized his praise for the Leafs last spring was genuine. He commended the team for competing "the right way" and finally getting over the second-round playoff hurdle, a nod to their series victory over his Boston Bruins before falling to his Panthers.
Weighing In on Leafs' Drama and Stars
Never one to shy away from the surrounding narrative, Marchand also offered his thoughts on the seismic shift in Toronto's core. He expressed sympathy for Mitch Marner, whom the Leafs traded after a prolonged period of fan criticism. "It's unfortunate Toronto fans ran Marner out of town," Marchand said, acknowledging the loss of a point-per-game player as a significant impact for the group.
His review of Auston Matthews was glowing. The 37-year-old marveled at the 28-year-old's goal-scoring prowess, his strength, and his ability to score from anywhere. "With how old the Leafs franchise is, it's impressive he's already broken (Mats Sundin's record) and he's still got 10 or 15 years left in the league," Marchand noted. He then couldn't resist adding, with a laugh and his trademark pot-stirring hand motion, "Whether it's here or not, we'll see," a cheeky reference to the two and a half years remaining on Matthews' current contract.
Back with His Partner in Crime
Marchand also provided an update on his linemate and fellow agitator, Matthew Tkachuk, who is nearing a return from injury. "With Chucky, you gotta keep your head up in practice because he's looking for a hit," Marchand warned with a smile. He described Tkachuk as mouthy, energetic, and itching to get back into game action, signaling the Panthers' notorious duo will soon be back to their disruptive best.
Marchand's visit, complete with his signature blend of candor and mischief, served as a reminder of his unique role in the NHL's theatrical landscape. For Leafs fans, it also provided a fascinating glimpse into an alternate reality where one of their chief antagonists could have been wearing the blue and white.
