Brad Marchand stirs the pot with Maple Leafs fans, revealing he nearly joined Toronto

With that familiar mischievous grin under a black hat, Brad Marchand stirred an imaginary pot down the hall from the Maple Leafs’ dressing room Tuesday morning.

The Florida Panthers’ prolific pest is a master of distraction whenever Toronto is involved. And this two-time Stanley Cup champions’ first visit north this season after beating the Leafs in playoffs was the ideal stage:

ON LEAFS’ POTENTIAL INTEREST IN HIM AS A FREE AGENT

“It was between Florida and Toronto where I was going to,” Marchand said. “I never thought it would be possible to sign with Florida, I really didn’t, with the guys we had up (needing to be re-signed) and stuff like that.

Marchand, of course, signed a six-year, $31.5-million US deal just as the market was opening to stay with the Panthers.

“But I was serious about what I said about Toronto (his compliments last year), where they’re at as a group, the way they’re competing now, they’re competing the right way, which they had to kind of get over that (second-round) playoff) hurdle.”

ON MITCH MARNER BEING TRADED

“It’s unfortunate (Toronto) fans ran Marner out of town (Marchand previously engaged in verbal sparring with Marner on a number of topics).

“That’s a huge impact for their group, losing a point-a-game player like that hurts. They’re a great team, great organization, but once the opportunity came (for Marchand) to sign (in Florida), there was no question.”

ON AUSTON MATTHEWS’ SCORING RECORDS

“Really impressive what he’s done at a very young age (28),” the 37-year-old Marchand said. “We were talking about this last night, the way he can shoot, but so strong he can dig out of the corners and drive the net with it and get tips. He doesn’t need much space.

“With how old the Leafs franchise is, it’s impressive he’s already broken (Mats Sundin’s record) and he’s still got 10 or 15 years left in the league. Whether it’s here or not, we’ll see.”

With that last comment and the two and a half years remaining on Matthews’ contract, Marchand laughed and began his stirring motion.

“I’m just kidding,” he assured.

ON MATTHEW TKACHUK, HIS PARTNER IN CAUSING MAYHEM, NEARING A RETURN

“With Chucky, you gotta keep your head up in practice because he’s looking for a hit. It’s been a while for him and he’s itching.

“It’s just fun having him out there again — he’s mouthy, energetic, and chirping.

lhornby@postmedia.com

X: @sunhornby