The grass is not always greener on the other side.
Such has been the case for original Misfit Jonathan Marchessault this past season. After a contentious contract negotiation, Marchessault left the Vegas Golden Knights to join the Nashville Predators on a five-year deal worth $5.5 million AAV. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner was one of several marquee free agent signings the Predators made last summer, joining Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei on big-money deals.
Unfortunately, the strategy did not pay off for the Predators.
The Predators finished with their worst season in franchise history, putting up a record of 30-44-8 for a total of 68 points. Marchessault was one of many key players to see a decline offensively, going from 42 goals in his final year in Vegas to 21 this season. With the disappointing season, general manager Barry Trotz now has the unenviable task of changing course just one season after his all-in push.
That strategy leads insiders to question if Marchessault is in the long-term plans of the Predators, regardless of his contract status.
Could Marchessault be on the move already after one year in Nashville?
According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli, Marchessault is considering the possibility of being traded after just one season from the Predators.
Frank Seravalli: Jon Marchessault open to the idea of being traded this offseason; Montreal would be a favourable landing spot – Daily Faceoff Live
— NHL Rumour Report (@NHLRumourReport) May 28, 2025
Seravalli furthered his idea by placing Marchessault fifth on his top 20 trade targets list.
“After a disastrous, 28th place finish, the Predators need to get younger. In a hurry. And they’d be smart to also shed one of their long-term commitments to older players, too,” wrote Seravalli.
“The belief is Marchessault is open to moving on after one year in the Music City. His production dipped, like everyone’s, as Nashville struggled to score. But he’s eminently capable of bouncing back with a 30-goal season with strong value to cap.”
After falling to the Edmonton Oilers in the second round largely due to the offense drying up, the Golden Knights could use Marchessault’s goal-scoring prowess in their lineup again.
However, there are some factors that could prevent a reunion from happening so soon. The contract negotiation between the Golden Knights and Marchessault was a point of contention between the two sides, and a year might be too little time for the wound to begin healing. Also, the Golden Knights are focusing on other options such as Mitch Marner, and they lack the tradable assets that Nashville might want in a deal, especially if the Predators are willing to retain salary.
The saga between the Golden Knights and one of their most beloved original players might not be over yet.
