Brad Marchand to reportedly sign with Original Six NHL franchise this off-season
ESPN insider reports that Brad Marchand will head to a original six NHL franchise this off-season, per his expertise, and it would shock the hockey world.
Brad Marchand isn't sure where he'll end up next. His contract runs out this summer, and he'll be free to sign with any team, following a surprising trade from the Boston Bruins.
ESPN's John Buccigross thinks Marchand might surprise everyone with his next move.
Brad Marchand heading to another original six team
On a hockey show called "Morning Cuppa Hockey," Buccigross said he believes Marchand will join the Montreal Canadiens, another Original Six NHL franchise, following his departure from the Boston Bruins.
«Marchand will either stay with Florida or go somewhere up Northeast,» Buccigross said. «I think he wants to stay close to that area. So, I'm picking Montreal for him. It's a bit of a wild guess-short plane ride to Boston if his family stays there, just 40 minutes, and he can visit them on weekends.»
Marchand is finishing up an eight-year deal with $49 million and will be a free agent on July 1.
The 36-year-old was a huge part of the Boston Bruins for 16 years, even winning the Stanley Cup in 2011, in his second year in the league.
He scored 422 goals and set up 554 more during his time in Boston.
But at the trade deadline, the Bruins unexpectedly traded him to the Florida Panthers for a second-round draft pick.
Marchand spent years as a tough rival to the Canadiens while playing for the Bruins, their longtime enemies. But he also developed a strong hatred for the Panthers, and look where he ended up agreeing to go to!
Reports say Marchand asked Boston for a three-year contract worth $7.5 million a year.
The Bruins said no, offering only $6.63 million a year for three years instead.
Meanwhile, the Canadiens have a projected $11.45 million in extra money to spend this offseason, which would cover what Marchand wants.
| POLL | ||
MARS 18 | 148 ANSWERS Brad Marchand to reportedly sign with Original Six NHL franchise this off-season Do you think Brad Marchand would be a good fit with the Montreal Canadiens? | ||
| Yes | 41 | 27.7 % |
| No way | 62 | 41.9 % |
| Maybe | 45 | 30.4 % |
| List of polls | ||
