Brad Marchand reveals the one Canadian team he nearly signed with this summer

This summer was full of speculation surrounding the Toronto Maple Leafs, and given that they failed to land a big fish in free agency or via trade, it's easy to see why they've struggled for the most part in 2025/26.

There was plenty of chatter surrounding this team and Brad Marchand however, with many believing that the team were very close to landing him before he re-signed with the Florida Panthers.

Since the extension, it's been unclear whether or not Toronto were ever actually an option for the Maple Leafs, and now, Marchand himself has lifted the lid on his free agency decision, revealing the final two teams in contention when he signed his deal in Florida.

This should come as a huge revelation for Maple Leafs fans, but given how upset many of them were that the veteran Stanley Cup winner didn't sign, this should only add to the heartbreak.

It's unclear whether or not Marchand ever truly considered Toronto, but if he was going to leave the back-to-back Stanley Cup Champions, he's confirmed that Toronto were likely the only other destination.

Ultimately, Marchand would have made the perfect winger alongside Auston Matthews, as he's put up an impressive 23 goals and 46 points in 40 games played this season, and while it may not have changed everything for Toronto, landing Marchand would have been a major way to replace Mitch Marner.

Also read on House Of Hockey :
Hurricanes and Mammoth make late-night trade