Brad Marchand could’ve easily been wearing a different jersey next season. As one of the NHL’s most competitive forwards and now a two-time Stanley Cup champion, Marchand had no shortage of suitors lining up to make a serious pitch for his services.
But in the end, he chose to stay with the Florida Panthers, agreeing to a six-year, $31.5 million extension on Monday. What’s surprising, however, is how close he came to joining the NHL’s newest team, the Utah Mammoth, which was reportedly prepared to blow away all offers to bring the veteran leader on board.
Utah Mammoth Were Ready To Break the Bank for Brad Marchand
According to NHL insider James Murphy, the Mammoth were more than ready to make a jaw-dropping offer to Marchand had he tested free agency. The expansion team, eager to establish a strong core, was reportedly willing to offer between $9.5 and $10 million annually for at least four years. Marchand, who had begun contract talks with the Panthers at a similar four-year length, may have earned more than $40 million in total value if Utah’s interest had turned into a bidding war.
“Utah was ready to beat any offer for Marchand,” a source revealed. “I know Marchand was starting at four years with the Panthers and planned to do the same if he hit the market. So, it had to be at least that if he got there.”
BRAD MARCHAND IS STAYING A FLORIDA PANTHER.
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— Florida Panthers (@FlaPanthers) July 1, 2025
While the Panthers’ original offer was a four-year, $32 million deal (an $8M AAV), both sides ultimately found a middle ground: they agreed to a six-year deal instead, lowering the annual average value to $5.2 million but offering Marchand longer-term security. The decision seems to reflect both sides’ desire to continue a strong relationship following a successful Stanley Cup run.
In the final hours before the deal was finalized, there was still a chance Marchand could return to his longtime home in Boston. According to Murphy, “He had not ruled the Bruins out yet,” but the organization was firm on sticking to a four-year limit on term. It appears the Bruins’ unwillingness to go beyond that may have been the deciding factor in Marchand staying put in Florida.
Once Aaron Ekblad signed his eight-year, $48.8 million deal with the Panthers earlier in the day, the momentum shifted strongly toward Marchand staying. With one of Florida’s foundational pieces locked up, GM Bill Zito quickly finalized Marchand’s contract, ensuring two of the team’s core leaders remained in place.
Marchand’s decision to stay with the Panthers wasn’t just about money; it was about timing, opportunity, and belief in the group that brought home a Stanley Cup. However, it also underscored just how aggressively Utah intends to build a contender from scratch.
