The Florida Panthers beat the Edmonton Oilers in Game 2 of the Stanley Cup Final in double overtime. Their hero was their villain in last year’s playoff, but could be staying in Sunrise for the future. Brad Marchand came to the Panthers at the trade deadline and is hitting free agency on July 1. But he told the media before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Final that he could see himself staying with the team.
“Yeah, I’ve thought about it. But we’ll deal with that in the future,” Marchand said, per ESPN’s Greg Wyshynski.
Marchand had spent the first 15.5 years of his career with the Bruins, playing 1090 games and scoring 976 points for Boston. They traded their captain to their division rivals after failing to reach a contract extension before the deadline. The Panthers have gotten the best out of Marchand in these playoffs, with an epic Game 7 performance against Toronto and a game-winner on Friday.
Marchand just turned 37 years old, so his long-term contract hopes are likely dashed. He is eligible for a bonus-laden contract, reserved for veterans over 35 years old. If he is willing to sign that, the Panthers could keep him on a very team-friendly deal. But considering Boston could have offered him that deal as well, he may not sign for a low base salary.
According to CapWages, the Panthers will have $19 million in cap space this summer. Aaron Ekblad has expressed his interest in staying with the team, but he could be out due to Seth Jones’ addition at the deadline. Mackie Samoskevich will need a new deal, as he is a restricted free agent. And the big one is Sam Bennett, who could cash in big time if he decides to leave. Marchand could get squeezed out if Bennett decides to stay on a big-money deal.
The post Panthers’ Brad Marchand drops free agency take amid Stanley Cup Final appeared first on ClutchPoints.
