As the dust settles on another dramatic NHL off-season, whispers of what could have been are echoing louder than ever in Toronto.

The Maple Leafs, known for their bold pursuits, were reportedly on the verge of pulling off one of the most shocking moves in recent memory—luring Brad Marchand, Boston’s notorious agitator, away from the Florida Panthers.

But in a twist that few saw coming, former Bruins defenseman Brandon Carlo has just confirmed that the rumors weren’t mere speculation; Marchand was actually interested in donning the blue and white.

With Florida celebrating back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, the hockey world assumed the Panthers would be forced to make painful sacrifices.

Yet, thanks to the unique advantages of playing in a tax-free state, the team managed to retain its core stars, leaving Leafs fans to wonder what might have happened if circumstances had been different.

The revelation from Carlo adds a new layer of intrigue to a summer already packed with blockbuster signings and near-misses.

What really went on behind the scenes? Why did Marchand come so close to joining Toronto, and what does it mean for the Leafs’ future? The answers may surprise you—and could redefine the rivalry for years to come.

Brad Treliving celebrates a goal in the playoffs with Florida

Photo credit: Walter Tychnowicz-Imagn Images

A lot was made of the Maple Leafs’ attempt to lure Brad Marchand to Toronto this summer, but former Bruins teammate Brandon Carlo revealed this week that there was some truth to the rumours.

At the end of the 2024-25 season, once the Florida Panthers were crowned Stanley Cup champions for the second straight year, the story quickly became about how there wasn’t enough money to go around in the Sunshine State.

There was a strong belief by many that the Panthers would lose one or two of Sam Bennett, Brad Marchand and Aaron Ekblad. However, we now know that the Cats were able to retain all 3 players.

If Not For Florida Being a Tax-Free State, Brad Marchand Might Be a Maple Leaf Right Now

Recently, Marchand admitted that Florida being a tax-free State played an enormous role in their ability to bring all 3 of Bennett, Ekblad and himself back for another kick at the can.

Now, Brandon Carlo, a long-time teammate of Marchand’s in Boston, is confirming that there was legitimate interest on Marchand’s part of actually signing in Toronto if he made it to free agency.

In a new article from Sportsnet’s Luke Fox, Carlo revealed that he did attempt to speak with Marchand to sell him on the idea of becoming a Maple Leaf.

“I had talked to him, and there had been conversations there, and I felt like he definitely had that interest to come here. Ultimately, it didn’t end up that way. But that would have been fantastic. Now we’re just gonna have to compete against him and hopefully beat him here soon.”

Marchand was rumoured to be the Leafs’ top target this summer, and could have netted himself somewhere in the $8M AAV range if he left Florida, according to reports. Instead, Marchand signed a very unorthodox deal to stay in Florida.

Bringing in Marchand would have prevented the Leafs from acquiring all 3 of Nicolas Roy, Matias Maccelli and Dakota Joshua — 3 moves that have vastly improved the team’s overall depth. Still, if Marchand was willing to sign, I’m sure it’s a price that Brad Treliving and company were willing to pay.