It`s difficult to imagine a recent four-month period that boosted a player`s value approaching free agency more significantly than Brad Marchand`s latest performance.
Just a few months prior, in early March, the 37-year-old was captaining a Boston Bruins team that appeared likely to miss the playoffs after nearly ten consecutive appearances. Contract talks with the only NHL team he`d ever played for had stalled, as the Bruins seemingly moved on from the final remaining veteran core member of the Zdeno Chara-Patrice Bergeron era. Marchand`s own season seemed headed for average results, especially after being one of Canada`s least utilized forwards at the 4 Nations Face-Off tournament.
However, the trade deadline brought a move to Florida, offering him an opportunity to shine again on hockey`s grandest stage.
Following crucial performances that helped secure a championship, Marchand now heads into free agency as a highly sought-after player. His outstanding playoff run solidified his standing as one of the NHL`s top performers when it matters most.
During Florida`s successful Cup pursuit, Marchand, despite his age, ranked fourth in playoff goals and tenth in points among all skaters. Only Leon Draisaitl scored more game-winning goals than Marchand (#63). His impact was most significant in the Stanley Cup Final, where the veteran forward netted six goals in six games, helping defeat Connor McDavid`s Edmonton Oilers. Only his teammate Sam Reinhart had more goals in the Final, four of which came in the decisive last game.
