The Pros and Cons of Signing Brad Marchand (+)

Brad Marchand shouldn’t be the consolation prize of the free agent marketplace. But in a UFA class that includes Mitch Marner, Sam Bennett, John Tavares and Aaron Ekblad among others, it’s easy to forget that Marchand is also free to sign with any team on July 1.

While he is older than the prime free agents, he offers a postseason pedigree, a desirable prickliness and he will far less expensive than the aforementioned athletes. GMs will tell you that nothing helps a team more than a skilled oldster going year-to-year on a contract, like Patrick Kane has done so far in Detroit.

The expectation is Steve Yzerman will leave no rock unturned in an effort to increase scoring. He most certainly will call Marchand’s agent.

Pros: He’s A Troll Under the Bridge Who Can Score

The Red Wings want to be harder to play against and score more. Marchand can help solve both problems. He’s a miserable cuss to deal with on the ice.  Plus, he has scored 29 or more goals for eight of the past 10 seasons. Marchand has a history of scoring big goals in big games.

You always notice him. He plays with energy, passion and ruthlessness. Marchand is exactly the kind of player the Red Wings need, although they wish he was bigger. The Red Wings need size.

The Red Wings were looking for a bigger winger for Lucas Raymond and Dylan Larkin, but Marchand could be a short-term fix who can help them get to the playoffs. He knows what it takes to reach the postseason, something Detroit has not accomplished since 2016.

Remember where you read it first. This guy will teach the #Leafs how to win when it matters. Despite his antics in #Boston, Marchand is the ultimate competitor. Best signing the club could make. #LeafsForever pic.twitter.com/6eRHZq5G7R

— Howard Berger (@Berger_BYTES) June 7, 2025

Cons: Father Time is Coming for Marchand

Marchand is 37, and his points production this season was the lowest in 10 years.  How risky is it to give Marchand more than a one-year deal?  Nobody knows the answer to that question.

At this juncture, Marchand’s game works best with a strong team. You would hope his passion and drive would inspire a weaker team to a higher level or play. But what if his new teammates are slow to respond, or don’t have it in them? He could become frustrated.

That’s why the general consensus is that he will try to stay with the Panthers, or jump to another elite team. Marchand will want to be sure his new team can compete. Rumors abound about the Toronto Maple Leafs being interested.

Conclusion: Probably Long Shot to Land in Detroit

It doesn’t feel like Marchand is a priority for the Red Wings. Nor, do we believe Marchand has the Red Wings high on his list. The Red Wings are thinking bigger literally and figuratively. Marchand likely wants a team that is more proven.  As we sit here today, Marchand isn’t thinking about joining the Red Wings.

But free agency can be weird. Free agency can evolve into tales of the unexpected.  Negotiations fall apart. Teams don’t want players as much as rumors say they do. Teams run out of cap space. If the music is about the stop, and Marchand doesn’t have a chair, the Red Wings suddenly could be an option.