NHL Rumors: Contract Brad Marchand Could Receive In Free Agency

Brad Marchand might have a champagne bottle in his hand all offseason.

Marchand played a key role in the Florida Panthers repeating as Stanley Cup champions, a feat they earned after claiming the best-of-seven series against the Edmonton Oilers on Tuesday night. It marked the second time in Marchand’s career he hoisted Lord Stanley.

It’s no certainty where Marchand will play next season or beyond, though. The 37-year-old, who was traded by the Boston Bruins in March, is set to enter NHL free agency.

And it appears Marchand helped his cause with his run in Sunrise, Fla.

“I said at the beginning of the Stanley Cup Final, I heard there was a three times eight for Marchand out there somewhere,” NHL insider Elliotte Friedman said during an appearance on SportsNet on Tuesday night. “I’ve had people tell me since, ‘It’s going to be bigger than that.'”

Friedman’s contract lingo hints something in the neighborhood of a three-year, $24 million deal with an average annual value of $8 million.

While returning to the Black and Gold isn’t off the table, Marchand’s fit and ability to compete for another title in Florida also has to be enticing. There likely will others who believe the veteran goal scorer has something left in the tank, too.

All told, Marchand should have plenty to toast to.