Florida Panthers left wing Brad Marchand is stirring up quite a buzz about a potential move to the Toronto Maple Leafs as free agency looms. The seasoned winger added some fuel to the fire with a mysterious comment on Instagram that quickly grabbed the attention of fans and media.

In response to a post quoting insider Nick Kypreos’ assertion that a Maple Leafs signing was on the horizon, Marchand cheekily replied, “S**t dawg… the people wanna see it???”

Kypreos, during his segment on ‘Leafs Morning Take,' expressed, “I don’t know how he doesn’t end up as a Maple Leaf,” highlighting both Toronto’s financial advantages and Marchand’s previous underpaid stint with Boston. With over $25 million in projected cap space, the Leafs are among the few teams that could offer the 37-year-old a lucrative contract along with significant marketability.

But it’s not just about the money; Toronto’s management has hinted at a shift in their approach. General Manager Brad Treliving recently mentioned that the team needs to alter its “DNA,” emphasizing the importance of playoff poise and leadership — traits that Marchand has consistently showcased throughout his career.

Article Continues Below
More Florida Panthers News
Florida Panthers defenseman Aaron Ekblad (5) celebrates scoring with the bench during the third period against the Edmonton Oilers in game three of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final at Amerant Bank Arena.
Aaron Ekblad drops truth bomb on potential future with PanthersColin Gallant ·
Florida Panthers center Brad Marchand (63) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena. Mandatory
Panthers’ Brad Marchand goes on IG trolling spree after Stanley Cup FinalGuillermo Guajardo ·
Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) hoists the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Panthers’ Sam Bennett goes full Wolf of Wall Street on futureChristopher Hennessy ·
The Florida Panthers look at the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Ron DeSantis suggests ‘executive order’ after another Panthers Stanley Cup winMichael Whitaker ·
The Florida Panthers hoist the Stanley Cup after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Panthers dent, crack Stanley Cup during raucous celebrationChristopher Hennessy ·
Gary Bettman, NHL Commissioner, presents Florida Panthers center Sam Bennett (9) the Conn Smythe Trophy after winning game six of the 2025 Stanley Cup Final against the Edmonton Oilers at Amerant Bank Arena.
Conn Smythe voting reveals Sam Bennett’s close win over Panthers teammateTroy Finnegan ·

“There’s some DNA that has to change on our team,” Treliving noted.

Marchand’s value is obvious. He was instrumental in the Florida Panthers’ remarkable back-to-back journey to the Stanley Cup this spring, netting 10 goals and accumulating 20 points across 23 playoff games. Out of those goals, six came during the Stanley Cup Final, highlighting his knack for stepping up when the pressure is on. Overall, he boasts 158 points in 180 career playoff games.

Adding a personal touch to the speculation, Marchand has shared his connections to Toronto. After knocking the Maple Leafs out in the second round this year — marking his fifth Game 7 victory over them — he confessed, “I grew up a Leafs fan… I enjoy interacting with fans. It’s fun. I love getting made fun of and I love making fun of people.”

This bond, combined with Toronto’s available cap space and their quest for grit and experience, keeps the rumors buzzing as July 1 approaches.