Brad Marchand’s NHL future appears to be taking shape, and it likely won’t involve a return to Boston. According to veteran insider Jimmy Murphy, a source close to the veteran forward has ruled out any chance of Marchand rejoining the Bruins, ending a 16-year chapter that brought a Stanley Cup, two more Final appearances, and plenty of heated moments.
Brad Marchand’s Next Move: Leafs, Panthers, or Devils?
So, where could Marchand land next? Murphy named three potential destinations: staying with the Florida Panthers, heading to the Toronto Maple Leafs, or joining the New Jersey Devils, a team valued at $2.1 billion. While nothing is confirmed yet, the buzz around the Maple Leafs, in particular, has intensified amid Toronto’s own major offseason shakeup.
As I’ve stated since he was traded, a source close to Brad Marchand just told me:
“I can’t see a way he returns to the #NHLBruins. That ship’s sailed.”
My top three landing spots for Marchand right now:
1.) Stays with #TimeToHunt2.) #LeafsForever 3.) #NJDevils
— Jimmy Murphy (@MurphysLaw74) May 23, 2025
Marchand, 37, is set to become an unrestricted free agent this summer after wrapping up his eight-year, $49 million deal. He was traded to the Florida Panthers at the deadline in exchange for a conditional 2027 second-round pick, which has since become a first-rounder, thanks to Florida’s playoff success and Marchand’s consistent presence on the ice.
In just 14 postseason games with Florida, Marchand has notched three goals and tallied 12 points, quickly finding chemistry with the Panthers’ aggressive playstyle. Analyst DJ Bean recently called the pairing “perfect,” noting that Marchand’s gritty, physical game fits Florida’s identity like a glove.
Murphy believes the Panthers have a real shot at re-signing him. Still, cap space concerns and competing priorities, like retaining center Sam Bennett, could complicate negotiations. That’s where the Maple Leafs come in.
Toronto is staring down a pivotal offseason after being bounced in the second round by Florida. With Mitch Marner and John Tavares possibly exiting and over $20 million in cap space potentially opening up, the Leafs could pursue Marchand as a veteran option to bolster their middle six.
He’d bring grit, scoring, and short-term flexibility, a combo that might appeal more than a longer-term investment in someone like Bennett.
The New Jersey Devils are also on Murphy’s radar as a dark horse. They’ve got financial firepower, a growing core, and the appeal of a U.S.-based team with playoff ambitions. Marchand has yet to publicly comment on his free agency intentions, but sources close to him suggest Boston is no longer part of the conversation.
Panthers, Leafs, and the Cap Crunch
Marchand’s future hinges not just on fit, but also on dollars and roster dynamics. In Florida, he’s become a key piece during their postseason run despite playing on the third line and not getting top-unit power play time. He’s tied for the team lead in points, a remarkable output given his role.
Florida’s GM has praised his impact, hinting that keeping him would be a priority. However, Sam Bennett’s contract is set to expire after next season, and extending him may take precedence. This internal cap battle might push Marchand to explore other options, especially if he’s looking for a two- or three-year deal to close out his career.
If Toronto decides to pass on Bennett, Marchand could be a more affordable, veteran-forward alternative. Daily Faceoff’s Matt Larkin recently highlighted Marchand’s “higher offensive ceiling” and short-term viability, despite noting a slight dip in his game earlier this season.
Marchand’s story began as a risky third-round pick and evolved into one of the most polarizing and productive careers in Bruins history. Now, with his time in Boston seemingly over, the hockey world waits to see where he’ll leave his mark next.
