Brad Marchand, a player for the Florida Panthers, recently made headlines by commenting on the departure of Mitch Marner from the Toronto Maple Leafs. His statements, made ahead of the Panthers’ game against the Maple Leafs at Scotiabank Arena, have ignited discussions among hockey fans.
Marchand’s Comments About Marner’s Departure
While acknowledging the Maple Leafs’ improved competitive spirit, Marchand expressed regret that fan sentiment contributed to Marner’s exit from the team. “It’s unfortunate the fans ran Marner out of town,” he stated. Marner’s absence is felt, as he is known for being a point-per-game player, impacting the team’s performance significantly.
Maple Leafs’ Struggles Without Marner
The Maple Leafs are experiencing challenges this season. Currently, they stand second-last in the Atlantic Division and third-last in the Eastern Conference. This downturn comes in their first season without Marner, who was traded to the Vegas Golden Knights on July 1.
- Mitch Marner Stats: 40 points (9 goals, 31 assists) in 40 games with the Golden Knights.
- Maple Leafs Current Standings: Second-last in the Atlantic Division, third-last in the Eastern Conference.
Marchand’s Near Move to Toronto
In an intriguing twist, Marchand revealed that he almost joined the Maple Leafs instead of the Panthers. Leading up to free agency this past summer, he stated, “It was between Florida and Toronto where I was going to go.” However, he ultimately chose to sign with Florida after assessing the team’s potential and his commitment to winning.
Contract Details
On June 30, Marchand secured a six-year contract extension worth $31.5 million with the Panthers after his previous stint with the Boston Bruins. He noted that the Bruins’ salary-cap constraints made his future uncertain, influencing his decision to move.
- Contract Extension: Six years, $31.5 million.
- Current Season Stats: 46 points (23 goals, 23 assists) in 40 games.
As the season progresses, the Maple Leafs will need to navigate the challenges of playing without Marner. Meanwhile, Marchand’s performance with the Panthers underscores a successful transition, raising questions about management decisions and fan influence in the NHL.
