The Toronto Maple Leafs are once again at the center of NHL free agency chatter. As they prepare for a pivotal offseason, the focus has turned toward two of the league’s hottest playoff performers: Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand. With both players heading into unrestricted free agency, one former Stanley Cup champion believes the Leafs should prioritize Marchand, even if it means overpaying.
Why Brad Marchand Could Be the Maple Leafs’ Game-Changing Target
The push for the Leafs to pursue Marchand comes from Toronto Star columnist and former NHLer Nick Kypreos, who recently stated that Toronto “needs to sign Brad Marchand more than any other team.”
Kypreos, a former player for Toronto, argues that Marchand’s experience, postseason poise, and leadership could fill a void that has plagued the Maple Leafs for years, namely, clutch performance under pressure.
“[Marchand] can bring something that has eluded the Leafs over the last 10 seasons,” Kypreos said in a column. “If it takes an overpay, so be it.”
The 37-year-old winger, playing out the final season of an eight-year, $49 million deal, hasn’t ruled out a move to Canada. When asked recently about his future, Marchand replied, “Anything’s on the table, I am gonna listen to anything.”
According to Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman and TSN’s Darren Dreger, Marchand is open to joining the Maple Leafs. That flexibility, combined with Toronto’s desire to shift its roster identity, makes this a potential blockbuster.
Leafs May Still Consider Sam Bennett, but Marchand Could Fit Better
Despite the growing buzz around Marchand, TSN analyst James Duthie has suggested Bennett might be a more natural fit for the Maple Leafs. Bennett, a pending free agent himself, has deep Ontario roots and could be a compelling option if Toronto looks to “bring someone home.”
“I think I would say Bennett, probably,” Duthie noted, “because maybe he’s the guy that would get the biggest raise to come here.”
Still, concerns remain. Bennett, while younger and more physical, may not be as available as initially believed. Dreger recently reported that the Panthers are expected to prioritize re-signing him due to his impact and comfort in South Florida. Given the Maple Leafs’ history with Bennett, including his controversial play that injured Anthony Stolarz, fans remain divided on whether he’s the right choice.
Meanwhile, Marchand’s stock is rising, even at 37. NHL insider Chris Johnston claimed that Marchand could command up to $8 million annually on the open market. While a hefty price for a veteran, his leadership and playoff record may justify it. “Marchand to me is worthy of that money,” Johnston noted.
Who do you got in the Brad Marchand Sweepstakes? 👀#CJShow #TimeToHunt pic.twitter.com/ksjcEhuDKN
— sdpn (@sdpnsports) June 6, 2025
If the Leafs do decide to move on from Mitch Marner this summer, general manager Brad Treliving will have the cap flexibility to pursue one of these two forwards. With Marchand reportedly interested and the Maple Leafs looking to reshape their postseason identity, the fit could be perfect.
