Report: Capitals Could Be In The Running For Brad Marchand This Offseason
The Capitals are looking to add another skilled forward in free agency, and Brad Marchand's apparently on the table.
The Washington Capitals are looking at all options as they look to bolster the middle-6, and one name now apparently on the table is Brad Marchand.
Per Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, Washington could be among the suitors to go for Marchand in free agency if he doesn’t stay with the Florida Panthers.
“If he doesn’t stay (in Florida), Toronto and Utah are expected to be among the serious pursuers. Utah has indicated it is not crazy about term, Toronto could prefer to stretch it out, but, watching him in the final, who wouldn’t want him? Los Angeles (who had a deal with Boston, only to find out Marchand wanted Florida), New Jersey, Washington, etc., etc., he can fit anywhere,” Friedman wrote.
The 37-year-old is coming off another impressive season, where he had 23 goals and 28 assists for 51 points in 71 games between the Boston Bruins and Florida before adding 20 points in 23 playoff games en route to another Stanley Cup for the Panthers.
Over 16 years in the NHL, Marchand has racked up 980 points in 1,100 NHL games while also earning a reputation as a hard-nosed, irritating player who players hate to face but would love to have on their team. He’s also a leader in the locker room and a proven asset.
While the Capitals are looking to get younger, Marchand is an X-Factor and leader who can still put up consistent numbers and be a difference-maker that can bolster the lineup for a Stanley Cup run.
Washington is looking to add another skilled forward to the mix to fill in on the second or third line, and is also looking for a solution at third-line center. Marchand has willingly taken on a role as a third-line center at this point in his career and adds impressive depth to any lineup.
The Capitals retooled on the fly last summer and overhauled roughly a third of their roster as they went from barely sneaking into the postseason to finishing atop the Eastern Conference. Now, as the Alex Ovechkin era winds down, they’re looking toward the future but also trying to remain contenders and perhaps give No. 8 one more kick at the Cup.
Washington has $9.3 million in projected cap space this summer. Though it seems likely that Marchand goes back to the Panthers, anything’s possible, and general manager Chris Patrick didn’t completely rule out a “big hack” this summer.
Marchand would be an interesting addition, and though he’s older, he would certainly add flair to a D.C. team looking to go further.
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