© Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/eac96316-d860-425c-9aff-eb85688780b0.jpeg] © Bob DeChiara-Imagn Images This summer, Jason Newland [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/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. 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Brock Nelson [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/720d8ff5-fbb9-443c-93ef-6ed4409895f1.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Brock Nelson This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/spencer-lazary">Spencer Lazary</a> and I will continue our series with more potential free agent targets that could be on the market on July 1st. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-brock-nelson] 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. 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Sam Bennett [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/afae6802-be57-4c2b-901f-d12a27ccdd34.jpeg] 2025 Columbus Blue Jackets Potential Free Agent Targets: Sam Bennett This summer, <a href="https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/author/jason-newland" target="_blank">Jason Newland </a>and I will continue our series looking at potential free agent targets who could be available on July 1. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/2025-columbus-blue-jackets-potential-free-agent-targets-sam-bennett] Let us know what you think below. Stay updated with the most interesting Blue Jackets stories, analysis, breaking news, and more! Tap the star to add us to your favorites on Google News [https://news.google.com/publications/CAAqBwgKMK-q0gsw7sXpAw/sections/CAQqEAgAKgcICjCvqtILMO7F6QMwm-DfCA?hl=en-CA&gl=CA&ceid=CA%3Aen] and never miss a story. Johnny Gaudreau’s Mom & Dustin Wolf Share Special Moment On Social Media [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/5891c908-9679-4ba4-bd46-45a57c26dacd.jpeg] Johnny Gaudreau’s Mom & Dustin Wolf Share Special Moment On Social Media The Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau tragedy never fails to bring tears to people’s eyes. Yesterday on Twitter/X, there was another emotional moment—this time between Jane Gaudreau, the mother of Johnny and Matthew, and Calgary Flames goalie Dustin Wolf. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/johnny-gaudreaus-mom-dustin-wolf-share-special-moment-on-social-media] Cayden Lindstrom Update [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/f40f717a-7208-4efb-9215-fe21da9c1e43.webp] Cayden Lindstrom Update According to Medicine Hat Tigers play-by-play man Will Bryant, CBJ prospect Cayden Lindstrom was a full participant in today's morning practice. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/cayden-lindstrom-update] Blue Jackets' Werenski To Join Team USA At Worlds [https://deweb-519a7.b-cdn.net/post-images/6be6c20c-6d58-4f0e-a1e5-0516409f859c.jpeg] Blue Jackets' Werenski To Join Team USA At Worlds Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski has agreed to play for Team USA at the upcoming IIHF World Championships, which begin on May 9. [https://thehockeynews.com/nhl/columbus-blue-jackets/latest-news/blue-jackets-werenski-to-join-team-usa-at-worlds]
