© Bob DeChiara-Imagn ImagesThis summer, Jason Newland and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1.
Today, we’re looking at the player we all love to hate—Brad Marchand.
Target: Brad Marchand – LW – 16 Years Experience
Marchand seemed destined to be a Boston Bruin for life. That was until the 2025 Trade Deadline, when he was moved to the Florida Panthers. Now, with free agency on the horizon, no one really knows what to expect. He’s a pending UFA and it looks like he’s headed to the open market. But is Columbus even a possibility?
Let’s take a closer look.
Stats
Marchand is coming off a season that mirrored Boston’s overall year—solid, but a little up and down. He scored 23 goals and added 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games. At the time of the trade, he was also dealing with an injury that kept him out for a stretch.
In his career, he’s played in 1,100 games with 424 goals and 556 assists for 980 points—and 1,115 penalty minutes. His next point will be number 1,000.
Previous Salary
Marchand is finishing off an eight-year deal that paid him $6.1 million annually—signed back on Sept. 26, 2016.
Contract projections have his next deal coming in around $7.8 million per season for three years.
Realistic Chances of a Signing: Cold
If Marchand does hit free agency on July 1, he’s not signing in Columbus. No disrespect to the Blue Jackets, but he’ll have his eye on teams that are closer to contending for a Stanley Cup.
If he can’t return to Florida, one obvious fit is Colorado, where his good friend and fellow Nova Scotian Nathan MacKinnon plays. Another option? Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins. If Marchand puts playing with Crosby above chasing another Cup, that might be the move.
You also can’t rule out a return to Boston to finish what he started. And if there’s a true wild card in all this, it could be the Toronto Maple Leafs—the team Marchand grew up cheering for.
All signs point to the Blue Jackets being longshots here, but don’t be surprised if Don Waddell at least makes a call.
Let us know what you think below.
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