The race to reshape NHL rosters is picking up speed, and two Canadian contenders have already identified a forward who could address multiple needs in one move. Toronto is looking to add more size and secondary scoring, while Montreal continues searching for experienced help up front.
With free agency only days away, both teams are watching the same situation unfold as Columbus works to keep one of its most valuable forwards. This uncertainty leads directly to the latest development surrounding the Blue Jackets’ top pending free agent.
Mason Marchment Draws Interest From Maple Leafs, Canadiens
The player drawing interest is Mason Marchment, and according to NHL insider Pierre LeBrun, several teams are preparing to pursue him if he reaches unrestricted free agency on July 1.
In his latest report for The Athletic, LeBrun wrote, “It sounds like there’s a robust market shaping up for Mason Marchment if he gets to free agency. The Montreal Canadiens and Toronto Maple Leafs are among several other clubs with interest.
“But even after the Nichushkin acquisition, Columbus hasn’t given up on trying to re-sign Marchment. It feels like that decision will go to the wire Tuesday night/Wednesday morning, either way.”
This update leaves Toronto and Montreal waiting to see whether Columbus can complete a new contract before the market opens.
The Maple Leafs want more physicality and reliable secondary scoring in their top six, and Marchment checks both boxes. A return would also reunite the Uxbridge, Ontario native with the organization where his professional career began after signing with the Toronto Marlies as an undrafted free agent.
Montreal is searching for many of the same qualities. General manager Kent Hughes has been aggressive ahead of free agency, viewing Marchment as a player capable of adding size, toughness, and offense to the Canadiens’ forward group.
Although reports have raised questions about whether Marchment wants to play in Canada, Montreal remains among the teams monitoring his availability.
Columbus, however, is not ready to let him walk.
General manager Don Waddell recently made that clear during an appearance on 97.1 The Fan’s Rothman & Ice Show, saying, “I’ve gotten calls; I’ve not made any calls on Marchy… we’ve had a few that are not even close to what he means to our hockey club.”
Waddell added that Marchment is “an important player to us” and stressed it would be difficult for another team to offer something more valuable than keeping the veteran winger.
The Blue Jackets have reason to remain confident. Following his December 2025 trade from Seattle, Marchment flourished in Columbus, collecting 15 goals and 32 points in 39 games after producing just 13 points in 29 contests with the Kraken.
He finished the season with 19 goals, 45 points, 84 hits, and a +17 rating while posting a career-best 20.5% shooting percentage.
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Columbus also enters the offseason with more than $25 million in projected cap space, though extensions for players like Marchment, Adam Fantilli, Cole Sillinger, and Jet Greaves remain priorities.
This financial flexibility gives the Blue Jackets a legitimate chance to keep him, but if negotiations stall, Toronto and Montreal appear ready to make their move.
