NHL insider bullish on Brad Marchand joining Maple Leafs to recoup 'underpaid' Bruins years

There’s a very good chance that Brad Marchand joins the Toronto Maple Leafs next season, according to NHL insider Nick Kypreos.

In an appearance on The Leafs Nation published on June 20, Kypreos expounded on the idea of Marchand coming to Toronto. Specifically, Kypreos pointed toward financial motivation as the driving force behind the “Maple Leafs” killer’s desire to come to Toronto.

Kypreos stated:

“Marchand, very good. Yeah. And he's the first one that kind of, if you read between the lines, he's the first one to say I was underpaid in Boston, and I'm going to go out there, and I'm going to make it up right now.”

The comments underscore how Brad Marchand accepted a team-friendly deal in Boston in hopes of winning a second Stanley Cup. That dream was fulfilled with the Florida Panthers, however.

Kypreos went on to add that the Maple Leafs are in an ideal position to meet Marchand’s financial demands, declaring:

“And there is no team on the planet right now that can satisfy the lost income he had probably on the last three or four years of his Boston Bruins deal, better than the Toronto Maple Leafs. So I don't know how he doesn't end up a Maple Leaf. Let me put it to you that way.”

The prevailing thought is that the Panthers will prioritize keeping Conn Smythe Trophy winner Sam Bennett over Brad Marchand this offseason. If so, the Leafs could bring their archnemesis into the fold as the team looks to finally get over the proverbial postseason hump.

Marner’s departure could open the door for Brad Marchand in Toronto

Marchand skill and experience will be valuable in Toronto - Source: Imagn

A piece in Newsweek published on June 20 suggested that Mitch Marner’s departure via free agency could open the door for Brad Marchand to join the Toronto Maple Leafs.

The piece quoted Karl Rasmussen of Sports Illustrated, who declared the following:

"The Maple Leafs could see Mitch Marner make for the exit door in free agency, and Marchand may be a suitable replacement. He comes with a bevy of postseason experience and two Stanley Cup championships. That type of leadership and experience could be exactly what Toronto needs to get over the hump."

The comments suggest that Marchand could be just the player to replace Marner. Marner played predominantly on the top line with team captain Auston Matthews and RFA Matthew Knies.

While Marchand may not suit up on the top line for the Leafs, he could play a meaningful middle-six role, providing leadership, experience, and much-needed depth scoring.

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Edited by Nestor Quixtan