Florida Panthers veteran Brad Marchand has never been shy about stirring the pot in Toronto.
The Panthers forward added another jab Tuesday while reflecting on his free agency decision and the Toronto Maple Leafs’ turbulent season.
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Marchand revealed he came close to signing with the Maple Leafs last summer, saying it was a two-team race between Florida and Toronto.
“It was between Florida and Toronto of where I was going to go,” Marchand said before the Maple Leafs’ 4-1 victory over the reigning Stanley Cup champs. “I never thought it was going to be possible to re-sign with Florida, I really didn’t. Just with the guys we had [entering free agency] and stuff like that.”
But once Florida opened the door with some savvy moves and found a way to make Marchand a six-year, $31.5 million offer, the veteran forward decided to stay with the Panthers.
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“Once the opportunity came up to sign here, it was kind of no question that’s where I wanted to be,” Marchand said. “But just with where we were [with the salary cap], I didn’t think it was going to be able to happen.”
Now in its first season without former winger Mitch Marner, Toronto sits near the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Marner was dealt to the Vegas Golden Knights in a sign-and-trade on July 1, and Marchand placed the blame squarely on the fan base.
“As a group, the way they are competing now, they compete the right way,” Marchand said of the Maple Leafs. “It’s unfortunate the fans ran Marner out of town. That’s a huge impact for their group. He’s a point-a-game player. That hurts.”
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Florida Panthers forward Brad Marchand skates against the Toronto Maple Leafs.John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images
Marchand’s comments echoed his remarks from last spring’s playoffs after Florida eliminated Toronto from the postseason in Game 7 of the second round.
“They’re getting crucified, and I don’t think it’s justified,” Marchand said back then about the Leafs. “They’ve been working on building something really big here.”
This season, Marchand leads the Panthers with 46 points in 41 games. He left the game against the Leafs early and did not return for the third period after taking a hit from Bobby McMann.
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Florida (22–17–3) will visit the Montreal Canadiens on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET.
Related: Leafs Announce William Nylander Injury Update Before Panthers Game
Related: Maple Leafs Facing Potential Season-Ending Injury News Involving Star Defenseman
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Jan 7, 2026, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.