Predators Ink Jonathan Marchessault To Five Year Deal

Predators Ink Jonathan Marchessault To Five Year Deal

Jonathan Marchessault wanted to remain with the Golden Knights for the rest of his career. That’s not going to happen as the Predators have swooped in on the first day of free agency. The Quebec native will sign a five year deal while carrying an AAV of $5.5 million.

Pierre LeBrun of TSN and The Athletic was the first to report the news:

If the Predators can finalize things with Jonathan Marchessault, hearing his deal with Nashville will be five years and around $5.5 M AAV per season

— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2024

It’s a bit surprising that Vegas didn’t want to match this deal. The term likely made the VGK hesitant to match that kind of deal. Marchessault, 34 in December, posted a career high 42 goals last season. Jack Eichel deserves a lot of credit for that. Marchessault’s prior career high is 30, which he hit twice in his 11 year career. Can Marchessault actually maintain that scoring pace when this deal takes him into age 39?

Long term, it’s fair to wonder if Marchessault could keep up. Especially with declining foot speed over the last year or so.

Jonathan Marchessault, signed 5x$5.5M by NSH, is a veteran top six scoring winger. Had a career goal-scoring season in 23-24. Other parts of his game seem in a bit of a decline, including skating speed which is near the bottom of the league. #Preds pic.twitter.com/zCKchlvAXo

— JFresh (@JFreshHockey) July 1, 2024

The top line in Nashville could feature Filip Forsberg, Steven Stamkos, and Marchessault.

Meanwhile, in Vegas, Alexander Holtz could be his replacement, who was acquired via trade from the Devils. The VGK still have some cap space to try to replace Marchessault. Candler Stephenson currently remains a free agent as I’m currently typing this.

Jonathan Marchessault surprised by Panthers tossing him in 2017 NHL Expansion Draft

The Predators have been insanely active today. Marchessault somehow isn’t even their biggest signing. They also swiped captain Steven Stamkos from the Lightning earlier today. Barry Trotz is not screwing around. That much is clear.

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