In a jaw-dropping move that has stunned the hockey world, Brad Marchand has chosen loyalty and legacy over a massive payday, opting to remain with the Florida Panthers despite reportedly turning down a staggering $10 million per year offer from another team. As the Panthers celebrate back-to-back Stanley Cup victories, the franchise has worked tirelessly this offseason to keep its championship core intact—securing long-term deals for key players like Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett, and Marchand himself.

Marchand’s decision has sparked widespread debate among fans and analysts, especially given the rumors swirling about a lucrative deal—possibly from the Toronto Maple Leafs—that he ultimately passed up. After years of falling short in Boston, Marchand now finds himself at the heart of a potential dynasty in South Florida, surrounded by a team that’s hungry for more glory. With the Panthers’ future looking brighter than ever, Marchand’s commitment is being hailed as a defining moment for both his career and the organization. The stage is now set for another thrilling chapter in Florida’s hockey history, with Marchand leading the charge.

Photo credit: Jim Rassol-Imagn Images

Brad Marchand got a massive extension with the Florida Panthers this summer, and according to a top insider, he turned down $10 million a year to do so.

The Florida Panthers have won back-to-back Stanley Cups, and coming into this off-season, they had some work to do if they wanted to keep their title winning core all together moving forward.

Somehow they did that, inking Aaron Ekblad, Sam Bennett and Brad Marchand to long-term deals, locking in what is the deepest team in hockey for a long time to come, with the belief that this organization can become hockey’s first dynasty in quite some time.

While there was controversy around the team bringing back all three of their pending free agents, none were more so than Marchand, who reportedly had some big interest from many teams around the league, most notably the Toronto Maple Leafs.

According to a report from Chris Johnston, there was a team out there willing to give Marchand $10 million on his newest deal, and while it’s not confirmed to be Toronto, the speculation on social media is that it was the Leafs to make this offer.

However, after coming up short so many times in Boston, Marchand recognizes the opportunity he has in Florida, and with the team all back together with the vibes high, it’s safe to say that he made the right call.

Ultimately, at this end of his career, Marchand chose between a massive deal or a good deal with the chance to win one or multiple Stanley Cups in the next few years, and with the core remaining in tact, he’s chosen to pursue Cup glory with this loaded squad.