Tuesday brought a weird kind of confirmation, not from Hockey Canada, but from the NHL's jersey supplier. Fanatics reportedly leaked merchandise tied to Canada's Olympic group, and Brad Marchand's name popped up in the chatter.

It's not official, and that distinction matters, but the leak lines up with how most people see it. Marchand is still playing like a top-line threat at 37, and his motor never takes a night off.

Through 37 games this season with the Florida Panthers, Marchand has 22 goals and 22 assists for 44 points. That production is elite for any winger, never mind one this deep into his career.

Brad Marchand to make Team Canada following leak

The leak also fits the broader picture, because several Canadian stars have already been publicly identified elsewhere, and the remaining spots feel like fine-tuning.

Marchand's playoff style, net-front chaos, and penalty-kill bite travel well.

As a Bruins fan, this one lands with mixed emotions. Marchand in red and white feels right, but seeing him pile up these numbers in Florida still stings every time you check a box score.

On the ice, his case is simple. He can finish, he can grind, and he can flip a game with one shift that changes the temperature, which is exactly what short tournaments demand.

The only thing missing is the actual press release, because until Hockey Canada makes it official, it's still smoke.

Still, if Marchand does end up on that Olympic roster, nobody should be surprised.

He has earned the spot, and Bruins fans will probably watch anyway, even if it hurts a little.