Now that the 37-year-old budding NHL legend has gained his second Stanley Cup, Marchand has a right away alternative to money in on his efficiency in these playoffs.
It’s broadly believed that Marchand will command a significant asking worth and probably get the biggest contract of his profession this offseason.
Chris Johnston, NHL Insider for The Athletic, reported that Marchand’s asking worth will probably be close to $8 million.
“I believe he’s getting a increase, I’ve been led to consider that $8 million is concerning the quantity it’s going to take,” he mentioned.
Right here’s a rating of groups that take advantage of sense, primarily based on their capacity to supply a fascinating contract to Marchand and their probability of competition subsequent season.
Potential Brad Marchand Touchdown Spots
Blue Jackets
I’ll begin with considerably of an extended shot.
Regardless of a improbable season for the Blue Jackets, they fell two factors in need of the ultimate Wild Card spot within the Jap Convention. However I believe they’re playoff woes will quickly go away.
There are a number of good, younger items on their roster who will assist Columbus contend over the following few years.
You probably have $40 million to spend, why not try to signal a confirmed playoff drive who can bolster your roster and mentor the aforementioned younger expertise?
Perhaps Marchand would flip away the Blue Jackets as a result of they’re extra on the fringes of competition than they’re full contenders. Nonetheless, they’d in all probability have the ability to provide the best amount of cash to Marchand exterior of San Jose, who just isn’t but a distant contender.
Bruins
A lot has been mentioned and written a couple of potential reunion between Boston and their former captain, Marchand. However blogs, tweets, and hypothesis don’t imply a lot. What’s extra necessary is what each side have mentioned publicly.
On March 7, when Bruins GM Don Sweeney spoke with reporters concerning the commerce deadline, he mentioned that he would “by no means shut the door” with Marchand.
“I love Brad. I’ve mentioned all alongside, we’ve been attempting to signal Brad all 12 months lengthy. We simply had a spot there, and I respect that. the place he believes his market worth is, and I hope he respects our place, as a result of he’s beloved right here,” Sweeney mentioned.
In his first press convention as a Panther, Marchand went out of his technique to effusively reward the Bruins’ entrance workplace at a second when many Boston followers had been in revolt.
“I don’t have any sick‑will in direction of the administration group, in direction of Sweens, Cam, or Charlie, I’ve had an unbelievable run in that group,” he mentioned.
Marchand particularly made some extent to go with Sweeney, saying, “I consider ‘Sweens’ is without doubt one of the finest, if not the most effective, common managers within the league.”
Maybe that bridge is burned, and perhaps the door is extra closed than they’re letting on in public.
However the Bruins, nevertheless unusual it’s to say, want a Marchand-type participant of their locker room. They’ve the cap house to get a deal achieved and playoff aspirations that would entice the 37-year-old.
Hurricanes
It’s not being talked about a lot proper now, however Carolina has an actual probability to personal this offseason and personal free company specifically.
They’re a contender to signal practically anybody, given their cap scenario and the crew’s efficiency final season.
The Hurricanes have simply over $28 million in cap house to spend this summer season, which is the best of any of the real contenders within the NHL.
Carolina’s GM Eric Tulsky informed reporters that the crew has “full buy-in to spend to the cap.”
“We now have a lot house and such a powerful crew, there’s no ensures we are able to discover methods to spend all that cash, however we’re going to spend all summer season attempting,” he continued.
Given the way in which they had been gentleman’s swept by the Panthers, you might have forgotten that they made it to the Jap Convention Finals.
If Marchand is in search of one other alternative to chase rings and a crew that may provide him the wage he desires — estimated to be round $8 million — then Carolina is a good contender to amass the veteran ahead.
Panthers
This offseason will probably be a significant check of Florida’s tradition and their dynasty medal. Alongside Marchand, the Panthers even have Bennett and Ekblad changing into UFAs on July 1.
Re-signing Bennett will clearly be their first precedence after his Conn Smythe-winning effort in these playoffs. However Marchand, who contributed 10 objectives in his 23 video games performed this postseason, may even be on the high of Florida’s checklist.
Panthers GM Invoice Zito appears assured that they’ll have the ability to retain their UFAs, telling reporters after they gained the Cup, “I believe we are able to carry all of them again.”
In postgame feedback, Marchand was barely much less direct about his intentions, merely saying, “We’ll see what occurs right here quickly.”
Florida has the most effective place in these sweepstakes, given the dearth of a state revenue tax and the chance to repeat as champions, they need to be the favourite to signal him.
