Don Cherry offers stunning conspiracy theory on Brad Marchand

Brad Marchand has done everything with the Florida Panthers to ensure that the Boston Bruins moving him at the deadline in March goes down as the greatest trade deadline acquisition in NHL history.

Marchand tallied 10 goals and 20 points in 23 games this postseason and has arguably been the most clutch performer in big moments during the Panthers’ 2025 Stanley Cup run. And on Tuesday night, he won his second Stanley Cup as the Cats defeated the Edmonton Oilers 5-1 in Game 6 of the final.

He has become one of the most coveted free agent as he is eligible to sign wherever he wants when market opens up on July 1st. Marchand is expected to command a significant contract, which could be at least $8 million per year on his next deal, potentially on a three-year contract extension.

Several teams could be able to offer as much though the Panthers, who are greatly interested in giving Marchand an extension would struggle. However, former “Hockey Night in Canada” host Don Cherry believes everything has already been established for Marchand’s future, recently suggesting the following conspiracy theory on the former Bruins’ captain on his podcast:

“Maybe [the Panthers and Bruins met and] said, ‘Well, listen, you sign him for this year,” Cherry said. “We’ll sign him next year.”

Cherry strongly believes in that possible reunion between Marchand and Boston, who received a conditional second-round pick in the 2027 NHL Draft in the trade. The pick has since turned into a first-round pick since Marchand appeared in at least half of Florida’s playoff games.

This conspiracy theory might give the Bruins’ fans false hope ahead of free agency. Reports have also linked Marchand to other interesting contenders, including the Toronto Maple Leafs.

I’m pretty sure Marchand will have his pick of the litter among multiple teams this summer and can’t say that I agree with Cherry’s conspiracy theory… I feel like it’s most likely wishful thinking.

The Panthers will work hard at re-signing Marchand. After the championship win last night, general manager Bill Zito even joked that he had bought a Dairy Queen franchise to convince Marchand to stay put in Florida.