Where Will Brad Marchand Play Next? Maple Leafs Favorites, Panthers Close Behind by Next Team Odds

Brad Marchand is on the verge of a massive payday, especially for a 37-year-old. The rat king deserves it after leading the Florida Panthers to a second straight Stanley Cup. The Brad Marchand next team odds list the Toronto Maple Leafs as the second-most likely team to sign the forward, behind the Panthers as betting favorites. 

Had it not been for Sam Bennett's heroics, we would be discussing a Marchand Conn Smythe Trophy. So, will Marchand take the money and sign with a new team or stay put with the defending Cup champions, where he might have to take a pay cut?

The Brad Marchand next team odds look at whether the odds at FanDuel point toward a return to Florida or a move elsewhere. 

🐀 Brad Marchand next team odds

Odds via FanDuel Ontario, one of our best sports betting sites in Canada. 

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🎯 Brad Marchand next team prediction

Here's my best prediction for where Marchand will play the 2025-26 season, as part of our NHL picks:

🍁 Maple Leafs

Best odds: +380 ($10 pays $38 profit)

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Trying to envision Marchand in Toronto's navy blue is as off-putting as thinking about eating cereal with gravy.

Still, it's the most likely option for the elder statesman, who has been clear about his interest in playing for a Canadian team before he permanently hangs up the skates. 

He was a massive Wendel Clark fan growing up, and the Maple Leafs will have more than enough cap space once Mitch Marner's salary is off the books on (or before) July 1.

He'll give serious consideration to staying in Florida, which has an excellent chance of a three-peat if it keeps the core together, including Marchand. But he will probably opt to ride off into the sunset with more money.

If he opts for a slightly lesser amount, he'll remain in Sunrise, Fla.

Vegas is another good option for Marchand. However, Vegas is only in play if it doesn't sign a marquee player exiting Toronto, which we covered in our Mitch Marner next team odds. 

🤖 Brad Marchand next team AI prediction: 

🔎 Why Toronto?

1. Fit with team eeds

The Leafs are actively reshaping their core as Mitch Marner appears poised to leave, either via trade or free agency.

Marchand offers exactly what Toronto has lacked in recent postseasons: edge, leadership, defensive intensity, and the ability to drive offense under pressure. He embodies the playoff-style grit that the Leafs desperately need alongside finesse talents like Auston Matthews and William Nylander.

2. Mutual interest

Reports suggest Toronto is already aggressively pursuing Marchand, and Marchand himself is intrigued by the idea of finishing his career in a high-profile Canadian market. He grew up in Nova Scotia idolizing Wendel Clark, and Toronto is one of the few markets that can offer both competitive opportunity and off-ice legacy appeal.

3. Endorsements & legacy

At 37, Marchand understands that this will likely be his last big NHL contract. Toronto offers unmatched endorsement opportunities for a Canadian star. As a Stanley Cup winner and potential Hall of Famer, Marchand has the chance to cement his legacy in one of hockey’s most iconic cities—and perhaps even become a rare star to win Cups in both the U.S. and Canada.

4. Cap space & flexibility

Toronto will likely have over $16 million in projected cap space if Marner is moved and other smaller contracts are shed. That’s enough to offer Marchand a competitive 2–3 year deal in the $7–8 million AAV range, which is reportedly what he’s seeking.

5. Panthers' uncertainty

Florida, despite strong chemistry and a Cup win, faces tougher financial and roster decisions this summer. Their core is getting expensive, and they need to re-sign Aaron Ekblad and Sam Bennett. With Marchand likely commanding premium dollars, the Panthers may be priced out unless he gives them a sharp discount.

When does NHL free agency open?

NHL free agency opens on Tuesday, July 1, at noon ET. That's when players are officially able to sign contracts with new teams. Marchand, and other pending free agents, are able to sign extensions with their current teams prior to that date.

What is Brad Marchand's contract?

Marchand just finished the final year of an eight-year contract with a $6.125 million annual average value (cap hit) he originally signed with the Boston Bruins ahead of the 2017-18 NHL season.

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