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Tag: NHL free agency

  • Bruins Division Rival Set to Lose Star Winger in Free Agency

    Bruins Division Rival Set to Lose Star Winger in Free Agency

    The NHL offseason hasn’t started yet, but the drama is already heating up — especially for the Boston Bruins’ division rival, the Toronto Maple Leafs.

    Reports are saying that star winger Mitch Marner is going to play for a new team next season. According to NHL insider Andy Strickland, “He’s going to play for a new team next season.” That alone sends shockwaves through the league.

    Marner’s departure from Toronto would not only reshape the Maple Leafs’ roster but also open the door for one of the most surprising twists in recent memory: a possible reunion between Toronto and Brad Marchand, the longtime Boston Bruins captain.

    Why Toronto Would Let Go of Mitch Marner?

    Marner has been the heart and soul of the Maple Leafs for years, but things are reaching a breaking point. His contract demands — reportedly in the $12 million to $14 million AAV range — are becoming harder to justify under Toronto’s current cap structure.

    Let him go, and they’ll free up a lot of cap space and can pivot to other options, including a big veteran move that could change the narrative for a team that’s desperate to break their playoff curse.

    If Marner goes west — as many think he will — Toronto will need a top line replacement fast.

    Elliotte Friedman Hints at Marchand’s Role

    On 32 Thoughts, Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added fuel to the fire:

    “If Marner goes, they’ll need to fill that spot — don’t be surprised if they go after Marchand hard.”

    That’s more than just speculation — it’s a sign of how the Maple Leafs are approaching this offseason.

    Marchand, who just helped the Florida Panthers to the Stanley Cup Final, has proven he still has plenty left in the tank. At 36, he’s not fading — and now with the Bruins unlikely to match any offer above $8 million AAV, Toronto might be the perfect landing spot.

    Could Marchand Wear a Maple Leafs Jersey?

    It sounds crazy — and that’s exactly what makes it so good.

    Once a hated rival and fan target in Toronto, Marchand has earned a new level of respect after years of playoff success and competitiveness. Signing him wouldn’t just be about filling a scoring void — it would be about bringing in a winner. He’s got leadership, physicality, and can perform in big moments. The Leafs have been missing all three when it counts.

    And fans may not want to see their former enemy in the blue and white but many are coming around — if it means they finally get over the hump.

  • Will Brad Marchand Walk Away? The Bruins’ Options to Avoid Losing Their Heart and Soul

    Will Brad Marchand Walk Away? The Bruins’ Options to Avoid Losing Their Heart and Soul

    There are few players in the NHL who carry the weight of a franchise like Brad Marchand does for the Boston Bruins.

    With his fiery passion, scoring touch and leadership, Marchand has become more than a player — he’s the Bruins.

    But as the 2024-25 season winds down, Marchand is at a crossroads that could change everything. His current contract — an 8 year deal worth $49 million with a $6.125 million cap hit — expires at the end of this season.

    Now with UFA looming, both Marchand and the Bruins must decide if they want to keep going or go their separate ways.

    The Contract Conundrum: What’s Next?

    At 36 years old Marchand isn’t getting any younger. But despite Father Time creeping in he’s still playing at an elite level — scoring, leading by example and playing a big role in the Bruins locker room.

    At first, a short-term extension — two or three years — seemed like the way to go. Marchand could finish his career where it started, and the Bruins would have a veteran presence during a rebuild or resurgence.

    But things have gotten complicated.

    Marchand wants one last shot at the Stanley Cup, and if Boston doesn’t look like a contender, he might not be willing to wait. Meanwhile, the Bruins’ salary cap is tight, and investing long-term in an aging winger might not be part of their plan.

    So now the question is: Is this the end of an era in Boston?

    Marchand’s Legacy: More Than Just Numbers

    It’s easy to get lost in the numbers — 40-goal seasons, over 1,000 career points, and a Cup in 2011 — but Marchand’s true value is more than that.

    He’s been the emotional engine of the team for over a decade. He leads by example, often diving into scrums, agitating opponents, and sparking momentum swings when the Bruins need it most.

    Off the ice, he’s mentored young players, helped build culture, and stood up for teammates when needed. Marchand isn’t just a scorer — he’s the heart of the room.

    Losing him would mean more than just subtracting goals from the lineup. It would mean removing the pulse of the team that has leaned on him through all the highs and lows.

    Will Marchand Stay or Seek New Horizons?

    The Bruins want to keep Marchand, but they have tough decisions to make.

    They’re in a transition phase, balancing competitiveness with the development of young talent. Signing Marchand to another big contract would slow that process.

    On the other hand, Marchand has made it clear he still wants to win — and if Boston isn’t headed in that direction, he might consider other options.

    Could we see Marchand in a different jersey? It’s hard to imagine, but not impossible. Teams like the Leafs, Oilers, or even the Rangers could come calling if they think he still has something left in the tank.

    Or maybe retirement is the answer. If there’s no path to the Cup, Marchand might choose to walk away on his terms rather than fade away in a lesser role.

    The Bruins’ Strategy: How Can They Keep Him? 

    If Boston wants to keep Marchand, they needs to act fast and get creative.

    Here are a few options:

    1. One-Year “Prove It” Deal

    A short-term, performance based contract would satisfy both parties. Marchand gets to play meaningful games, and the Bruins have flexibility.

    2. Curtain Call Ceremony + Advisory Role

    If Marchand retires, the Bruins can give him the sendoff he deserves and maybe bring him back in a front office or mentorship role.

    3. Trade to a Contender Midseason

    If talks stall before free agency, the Bruins could trade Marchand at the deadline for draft picks — but that would probably upset fans.

    A Defining Moment for Both Sides

    This will be the biggest decision of the Bruins’ recent history.

    For him, it’s about legacy — how he wants to be remembered and what his final chapter looks like.

    For the Bruins, it’s about respect, loyalty and managing expectations for the future.

    No matter what, Marchand’s impact on the organization is real. Whether he stays or goes, his name will always be part of the Boston hockey DNA.

    Final Thoughts: What Comes Next?

    As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on Marchand and the Bruins.

    Will he ride off into the sunset, sign one last deal with Boston or go chase one more ring elsewhere?

    Only time will tell.

    But one thing is for sure — Brad Marchand’s next move will be felt beyond the dressing room.

  • Why the Boston Bruins Should Avoid Signing That 100-Point Free Agent?

    Why the Boston Bruins Should Avoid Signing That 100-Point Free Agent?

    As July 1 approaches, the Boston Bruins find themselves in a familiar position: cap space to spend, needs to fill, and big names on the market. Among them is Mitch Marner, fresh off his first 100-point season and expected to be one of the most sought-after forwards in free agency.

    But just because he’s available doesn’t mean the Bruins should go all-in.

    While Marner dazzles with regular-season production, concerns about his playoff performance—and Boston’s past mistakes—should give fans and management pause.

    Marner’s Regular Season Brilliance vs. Playoff Questions

    Let’s get one thing straight—Mitch Marner can flat-out play.

    Over the last eight seasons, he’s been among the league’s elite offensive talents. Last year, he hit a career-high 27 goals and 75 assists, earning his first 100-point campaign. His vision, puck-handling, and playmaking are top-tier.

    But when the games matter most, the story changes.

    In 13 playoff games this past season, Marner scored just two goals. Sure, he added 11 assists, but timing and impact matter in the postseason. And this isn’t the first time his production has dipped when the pressure’s on.

    Toronto’s early exits have often come with questions aimed at Marner’s ability to carry a team through deep playoff runs. For a Bruins squad looking to make real noise, that inconsistency is a red flag.

    Boston Already Paid the Price for Flash Over Fit

    The Bruins tried this before.

    Last summer, they committed significant cap space to Elias Lindholm, hoping he’d become the second-line center they desperately needed. The move was supposed to elevate their depth and provide scoring balance.

    It didn’t work out.

    Lindholm struggled to find chemistry, underperformed expectations, and ultimately became a trade chip. The Bruins wasted precious cap room and momentum chasing a name instead of building strategically.

    Now, with another high-profile forward on the market, Boston risks repeating history—only this time, the price could be even steeper.

    The Cost Isn’t Just Financial – It’s Opportunity Lost

    Mitch Marner is expected to command a contract worth between $13–14 million annually. With around $28 million in cap space, that kind of deal would eat up nearly half of Boston’s budget.

    For one player.

    That’s not just expensive—it’s limiting.

    What about re-signing internal free agents? What about filling holes on defense or adding depth scoring? Locking into a long-term, high-dollar deal for a player whose playoff track record is shaky could derail the entire rebuild plan.

    This team doesn’t need a flashy headline. It needs structure, depth, and smart investments.

    There Are Better Ways to Build a Winner

    The Bruins don’t need another marquee name. They need pieces that fit.

    Marner might thrive elsewhere—maybe a change of scenery reignites his fire. But Boston shouldn’t be the team rolling the dice on that possibility.

    Instead, GM Don Sweeney should focus on affordable, impactful additions that support the core already in place. Maybe target role players, defensive upgrades, or younger talent ready to step up.

    Winning in the NHL isn’t about who has the flashiest roster—it’s about who builds the strongest foundation.

    And for the Bruins, that means resisting temptation—even if it wears a 100-point stat line.

    Final Call: Stay Smart, Stay Balanced

    Mitch Marner is a great player. No doubt about it.

    But greatness doesn’t always translate to playoff success, especially when the stakes are highest. And for a Bruins team still finding its footing after a rocky season, now isn’t the time to gamble again.

    They’ve learned the hard way what happens when you chase headlines instead of hockey sense.

    Let someone else sign the 100-point star.

    The Bruins should focus on building something better, not bigger.

  • Mitch Marner Targeted by Bruins? Maple Leafs Insider Says It’s Possible

    Mitch Marner Targeted by Bruins? Maple Leafs Insider Says It’s Possible

    The Boston Bruins have plenty of work to do this offseason when it comes to righting the wrongs rooted in a miserable 2024-25 season. With more than $26 million in cap space, could the team allocate most of that spending power toward the top free agent on the market: Toronto star Mitch Marner?

    As jarring as it would be to see Marner don a black-and-gold sweater after years spent battling Boston in the postseason, Maple Leafs writer James Mirtle isn’t discounting the Bruins as a viable contender for Marner’s services this summer.

    In a ranking of Marner’s 32 possible destinations, Mirtle tabbed the Carolina Hurricanes, Los Angeles Kings, Utah, and Vegas as the “most likely fits” in the pursuit of Marner.

    But after those four, Mirtle also listed the Boston Bruins among the teams in the next tier vying for the winger, alongside the Ducks, Blackhawks, Avalanche, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Panthers, Predators, Sharks, and Lightning.

    “It was certainly a lost season in Boston this year, but do they try and pull a Capitals and retool quickly? Between David Pastrnak, Charlie McAvoy, and Jeremy Swayman, they have a lot of strong pieces in place, so scorched earth doesn’t seem like the way to go,” Mirtle wrote.

    “It would be a bit of a heel turn for Marner, given they’re such a big rival in the division, but I don’t think we can rule it out entirely just on that basis. They certainly have the cap room after their big sell-off before the deadline.”

    A 2% Chance for Marner to Stay with the Leafs

    Mirtle tabbed Marner returning to the Maple Leafs as a “2 percent chance” of happening this summer. The winger is set to command one of the heftiest contracts in NHL history if he goes to market, and his inability to put the Maple Leafs over the top in the postseason might frighten some teams — and fanbases — from investing heavily in the forward.

    But, there are a few instances where a superstar in his prime, like Marner (who turned 28 in May), is up for grabs for whichever team is willing to pony up the cash.

    Marner Could Be the Missing Piece

    If Marner was interested in joining the Bruins, he’d serve as a much-needed remedy for a team in desperate need of skill and scoring punch.

    Much like how David Pastrnak was driving his line alongside Elias Lindholm and Morgan Geekie in 2024-25, a fellow right wing in Marner could anchor his top-six line in Boston — even if his supporting cast (Pavel Zacha? Casey Mittelstadt?) might be a work in progress on a retooling Bruins roster.

    Amid all the negative labels that Marner might carry as a smaller, skilled player whose playoff credentials might not pop, he’d address several needs for the Bruins.

    What Marner Brings to the Table?

    Marner — who has four 90-plus point seasons on his resume — posted a career-high 102 points this season with Toronto, and is one of the better playmakers on the power play in recent years (33 points on the man advantage last season).

    The 6-foot winger is also a weapon on the penalty kill and outside of the offensive zone, as he paced all Toronto forwards in average shorthanded ice time (2:14) this past year while leading all NHL forwards in takeaways (56).

    A Strategic Investment or a Risky Move?

    While the Bruins could be better served turning what could be a $12–15 million a year annual payout to Marner into 2–3 other players, the idea of adding another franchise fixture to the lineup is tempting.

    With the offseason still early, fans are already speculating about what the Bruins’ future looks like — and if Marner is truly in play, it could be the biggest move of the summer.

    Whether it happens or not, one thing is clear: the Bruins are looking to make a splash in free agency, and Marner is at the top of the list.

  • Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    Is This Ducks Rookie the Missing Piece for the Boston Bruins?

    After a brutal 2024-25 season, it is apparent that the Boston Bruins should be looking to bring in new talent this summer. This is especially true when noting that they traded away several of their key players at the trade deadline and have plenty of cap space to work with.

    With the offseason now underway, the focus is shifting to what the team can do to rebuild and improve. One area where the Bruins need immediate help is their top six forwards, and one name that stands out as a potential fit is Mason McTavish.

    Why McTavish Could Be a Perfect Fit?

    McTavish, 22, is a pending restricted free agent this summer, and he is precisely the kind of player the Bruins should consider targeting with an offer sheet. If successfully brought in, he would give the Bruins a long-term notable boost at center, which is undoubtedly a massive need.

    But that’s not all — McTavish can also play the wing, so he could help the Bruins’ depth on the second line or in the bottom six as well. His versatility makes him even more appealing.

    If not through an offer sheet, he could also make sense as a trade target for the Bruins. However, with McTavish being a young center with good upside, it would undoubtedly cost the Bruins a significant trade offer to bring him to Boston.

    A Rising Star with Proven Production

    McTavish is coming off a strong 2024-25 season with the Ducks, setting new career highs with 22 goals, 30 assists, 52 points, and 70 hits in 76 games. It was a nice step in the right direction for the 2021 third-round pick, but there is reason to believe that he still can hit another level.

    This only adds to his appeal. With his physical game, scoring touch, and ability to play multiple positions, he could immediately contribute to the Bruins’ offensive depth and provide a much-needed spark.

    The Bruins’ Need for a New Center

    The Bruins’ center position has been a major issue over the past few seasons. With the loss of key players like Marchand and Coyle, Boston needs someone who can step in and take control of the middle of the ice.

    McTavish fits that bill. He’s young, hungry, and ready to prove himself at the next level. If the Ducks are open to trading him, or if he becomes a restricted free agent, the Bruins should seriously consider making a move.

    What This Means for the Bruins

    If the Bruins are serious about rebuilding, they need to look beyond the usual suspects and consider players like McTavish, who can fill a role and grow with the team.

    He may not be a household name just yet, but his performance this season and potential for growth make him a valuable asset for any team looking to add a young, physical forward.

    With the right development, McTavish could become a key piece in the Bruins’ plans.

  • Brad Marchand Reveals Why He Left the Bruins – It Wasn’t Just About the Money

    Brad Marchand Reveals Why He Left the Bruins – It Wasn’t Just About the Money

    Brad Marchand is chasing a Stanley Cup with the Florida Panthers, but just a few months ago, he was the captain of the Boston Bruins, the only team he had ever played for before last March.

    Now 37 years old, Marchand is playing out the final season of an eight-year, $49 million contract and will become an unrestricted free agent this summer. That’s a scenario he had hoped to avoid altogether, as he revealed in a recent interview with Amalie Benjamin of NHL.com.

    Marchand spoke about how playing in a contract year shaped his mindset during this season. He admitted that the absence of a long-term deal changed the way he approached the game, shifting his focus from a team-first mentality to something more personal.

    “I didn’t really want to play contract years out because I never really wanted to have that stress,” Marchand said. “I always wanted the security of maybe take a little less and you get a deal done early, and you have the security of it being done and you can just worry about playing hockey.”

    The Pressure of a Contract Year

    Marchand explained that not having that security affected his priorities, making him approach the game in a more “selfish” way than if he had already secured his future.

    “I find when you go into a season playing (without a future contract), things matter,” Marchand said. “Your stats matter more. So, it doesn’t just become about the team. When you’re on term and you’re on a contract, it can be all about the team and you can sacrifice whatever you need to be part of the team.

    “But in contract years, you can’t do that. You have to be a little bit selfish.”

    This admission offers fans a rare glimpse into the mental toll of being under contract, especially for a veteran like Marchand, who had spent nearly his entire career in Boston.

    The Bruins Trade: A Necessary Move

    The Bruins failed to reach a new deal with Marchand before the season, and ultimately, they traded him to the Panthers at the trade deadline in exchange for a conditional second-round pick.

    While many assumed the move was purely financial, Marchand made it clear that the decision wasn’t just about money — it was about how he felt about his role and his future.

    He emphasized that the lack of a long-term commitment altered his perspective, leading him to focus more on individual performance than on team success.

    No Farewell, Just a New Chapter

    Despite the uncertainty of his future, with no contract once his current deal ends later this month, Marchand isn’t treating this run as a farewell.

    “I hope it’s not [my last],” Marchand said. “But realistically, I have a few years left. Hopefully I can have another run, but if not, hopefully I can take advantage of this one.”

    His comments show that while the transition to the Panthers was difficult, he’s still focused on what lies ahead — whether it’s a playoff run or a potential return to Boston in the future.

    What This Means for the Bruins?

    Marchand’s departure marked a significant shift for the Boston Bruins, who were forced to move on from their captain after failing to extend his contract. His time in Boston was defined by leadership, grit, and a deep connection with the fanbase, but now, he’s trying to make a new impact in South Florida.

    As the NHL playoffs loom, fans are wondering if this is the end of an era for Marchand — or just the start of a new chapter.

  • Bruins Emerge as Top Contenders for Rick Tocchet

    Bruins Emerge as Top Contenders for Rick Tocchet

    The Boston Bruins are making noise in the NHL coaching market and are one of the top teams to land veteran head coach Rick Tocchet. They’re looking for a proven leader and are positioning themselves to make a big splash this offseason.

    Why Rick Tocchet is a Hot Ticket

    Rick Tocchet, 61, is the most wanted coaching candidate this offseason after being let go by the Vancouver Canucks at the end of the 2024-25 season. Despite a disappointing finish in Vancouver—where the Canucks missed the playoffs by six points—Tocchet’s resume is impressive.

    Last season he won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year and led the Canucks to a Pacific Division title and a 50-23-9 record. In three years in Vancouver, he was 108-65-27 (.608) overall. He can build a competitive team.

    Bruins Among Top Contenders

    According to TSN’s Darren Dreger, the Bruins are among the “top contenders” for Tocchet’s services, along with the Philadelphia Flyers and Seattle Kraken. The Flyers are going hard after him but the Bruins have some unique advantages that could sway Tocchet.

    For starters, Tocchet has deep ties to Boston. He played for the Bruins from 1995 to 1997, skating alongside franchise legends like Cam Neely and Don Sweeney. Today, Neely is the president and Sweeney is the GM—a connection that could be big in bringing Tocchet back to Boston.

    “Boston is a club I’ve been saying keep an eye on the Bruins,” said The Athletic’s Rick Dhaliwal on a recent episode of Donnie & Dhali . “I will be surprised if the Bruins don’t contact Tocchet. He’s a Boston guy.”

    Dhaliwal added, “Boston is a place where it just reeks of Rick Tocchet. Cam Neely’s running the show there. I would be shocked if Boston isn’t a team that looks at Rick Tocchet.”

    What Tocchet Brings to the Bruins?

    If hired, Tocchet would bring a ton of experience and a no nonsense approach to coaching that fits the Bruins perfectly. He’s a fiery guy and a player’s coach and could be the perfect fit for a team that wants to stay relevant.

    But it won’t come cheap. According to Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli, Tocchet will command one of the biggest contracts ever for an NHL head coach.

    “I think he’s going to have multiple mega offers that are game changers for the coaching pay scale,” Seravalli said. “I’m going to project that Rick Tocchet is on at least a 5 year deal and north of $6 million per year.”

    For the Bruins, investing in Tocchet would be a commitment to staying competitive in a rapidly changing Eastern Conference.

    The Competition for Tocchet

    The Bruins are in the mix, but they’re not the only team in the hunt. The Flyers are going hard, and the Kraken are looking to take the next step as a franchise. The Flyers have a history with Tocchet—he played 621 games in Philly. That could be an advantage, but the Bruins have the front office connections and organizational stability that could tip the scale in their favor.

    What’s Next for the Bruins?

    If the Bruins choose Tocchet over younger, less experienced guys like Misha Donskov or Mitch Love, it will be a change of strategy. Instead of going with a new face, the Bruins are looking to bring in a battle tested leader to guide the team through the next chapter.

    For now, all eyes are on Boston as they make this decision. Will they roll the dice on Tocchet or go elsewhere? One thing is for sure: the Bruins’ decision will be huge for the franchise.