Why trading for Brad Marchand is the right move for the Maple Leafs
Brad Marchand becoming available would be a surprising but potentially strategic opportunity for the Toronto Maple Leafs who need leadership.
The Bruins captain is a notorious rival for the Leafs and could offer veteran leadership and playoff experience to a team looking to make a deep run.
The scenario isn't impossible with Boston struggling this season and Brad Marchand entering free agency this summer.
Brad Marchand's production has declined but he remains an agitator with the ability to impact games in critical moments.
A middle-six role with Toronto alongside veterans like John Tavares and Max Pacioretty could boost grit and secondary scoring.
While he's not the elite scorer he once was, he has the experience and ability to be a real disturbance to opponents.
This might be exactly what the Leafs need for a playoff push if they want to beat a team like the Florida Panthers.
Toronto cannot afford to repeat the mistakes of past deals for aging players on expiring contracts like the Nick Foligno contract and they need to be sure that the contract is not too heavy.
If the Leafs want it to work, they would need to negotiate a reasonable price and maybe even involve a second-round pick or a mid-tier prospect.
Acquiring a player like Brad Marchand would undoubtedly be controversial among Leafs fans just because his history against the franchise.
The thought of seeing Marchand in a Leafs jersey may seem wild, but hockey has a way of delivering unexpected twists.
Do you think it would be a good move for the Leafs to acquire a player like Brad Marchand to help their depth in the playoffs?
| POLL | ||
NOVEMBRE 27 | 183 ANSWERS Why trading for Brad Marchand is the right move for the Maple Leafs Would you like Brad Marchand in a Maple Leafs jersey? | ||
| Yes | 53 | 29 % |
| No | 130 | 71 % |
| List of polls | ||
