5 Trade Landing Spots for Jonathan Marchessault Amid NHL Rumors

The Nashville Predators made the three biggest splashes in last summer's free-agent pool, signing forwards Steven Stamkos and Jonathan Marchessault plus defenseman Brady Skjei.

Those moves had pundits calling the Predators the winners of the offseason. However, they didn't lead to wins on the ice, as they finished near the bottom of the standings. That could entice management to shed some high-salaried veterans for younger, more affordable players.

Marchessault may be having second thoughts about coming to Nashville. Daily Faceoff's Frank Seravalli has the 34-year-old sitting fifth on his May 27 NHL Trade Targets list. He believes the versatile winger is open to moving on after a disappointing season with the Predators.

Winner of the Conn Smythe Trophy with the Vegas Golden Knights in 2023, the 5'9”, 185-pound Marchessault has exceeded 20 goals eight times in his 12-season NHL career, including a career-best 42 goals in 2023-24. His production slipped to 21 goals this season, but he could bounce back with the right club.

He has four years left on his contract with an average annual value of $5.5 million. Given his age and concerns over his declining production, the Predators might have to retain salary to facilitate a trade. His no-movement clause could also complicate things.

Nevertheless, there could be clubs willing to take a chance on Marchessault returning to form with a change of scenery. Here's a look at five potential trade landing spots.

Minnesota Wild

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Since buying out Zach Parise and Ryan Suter in July 2021, the Minnesota Wild have spent the past four seasons trying to ice a competitive club with limited salary-cap space.

However, the reduction in the annual buyout cost starting in 2025-26 gives them room to make a significant addition.

Wild general manager Bill Guerin could go shopping for a reliable scoring forward to bolster his club's scoring punch. And Marchessault could be among his trade targets this summer, especially if they can get him at a reduced cap hit.

The Wild haven't won a playoff round since 2015, making fans restless for a winner. Adding a proven postseason performer like Marchessault could give Minnesota the experience and leadership to finally stage a run for the Stanley Cup.

Marchessault's ability to skate on either wing could make him a good fit with the Wild. He could fill the second-line left wing position alongside center Marco Rossi and right wing Mats Zuccarello.

Montreal Canadiens

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On May 27, Seravalli detailed his current 20-player NHL trade targets list. And he believes Marchessault would be open to going home and joining the Montréal Canadiens "in a perfect, perfect world," suggesting he'd fit in well playing for head coach Martin St. Louis.

Born in Cap-Rouge, Quebec, Marchessault played junior hockey with the Quebec Remparts. Last July, he indicated that the rebuilding Canadiens were in the running to sign him, but he felt the Predators were a better fit. The Habs instead acquired Patrik Laine later that summer to bolster their scoring.

The Canadiens' improvement could make them a more enticing destination for Marchessault. They have a projected cap space of $6.1 million next season with 20 active roster players under contract, but they could free up an additional $10.5 million with permanently sidelined Carey Price on long-term injury reserve.

Marchessault's age and the remaining years on his contract are worrisome unless the Predators retain part of his cap hit. The Canadiens' priority is adding a second-line center, but if a suitable center cannot be found, they could consider adding a top-six winger.

New Jersey Devils

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Injuries to key players such as Jack Hughes and Dougie Hamilton affected the Devils' offense during the regular season. And the ongoing absence of the former in the postseason contributed to their first-round playoff exit at the hands of the Carolina Hurricanes.

Devils general manager Tom Fitzgerald could shake up his forward lines to generate more offense. On May 13, James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now suggested Ondrej Palat and Erik Haula as potential contract buyout candidates

Buying out both players would add another $4.1 million to the Devils' $12.044 million in cap space. That would give Fitzgerald additional wiggle room to add a scoring forward via free agency or by acquiring someone like Marchessault in a trade.

Nichols indicated the Devils targeted Marchessault in free agency before he signed with the Predators. Adding his postseason experience and championship pedigree could make him the missing piece of their postseason puzzle that carries them on a deep playoff run.

Toronto Maple Leafs

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Changes could be coming for the Toronto Maple Leafs after another disappointing postseason performance. Mitch Marner could depart via free agency on July 1, leaving them in the market for a top-six right wing.

Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun proposed Marchessault as a possible target if Marner moves on this summer. He noted the veteran winger hit 42 goals in 2023-24 with the Golden Knights, suggesting the Predators might have to retain some of his salary in a trade.

Marchessault's contract could be worrisome, but the Leafs are in "win now" mode and desperate to end their 58-year Stanley Cup drought. Given his previous playoff success and postseason MVP credentials, they could take that risk if they can get him at a reduced salary.

The Leafs are thin in quality draft picks and prospects to dangle as trade bait for Marchessault. However, the Predators might accept a pick and a prospect if they can get most of his cap hit off their books.

Vegas Golden Knights

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It was surprising to see the Vegas Golden Knights part ways with Marchessault last summer, only a year after he led them to their first Stanley Cup.

General manager Kelly McCrimmon explained they were only willing to offer him a four-year contract while the winger wanted five years.

A year later, Marchessault's production dropped with the Predators. Meanwhile, a lack of reliable postseason scoring punch led to the Golden Knights' elimination by the Edmonton Oilers in the second round of this year's playoffs.

Vegas was willing to bring back Reilly Smith, who was traded to the Pittsburgh Penguins days after the Golden Knights' Cup run. Perhaps McCrimmon might be open to a Marchessault reunion, especially if the Preds retained part of his cap hit.

The Golden Knights don't have much trade capital in high-quality draft picks and prospects to offer up for Marchessault. However, Nashville might be willing to accept a mid-range pick and a prospect simply to get most of his cap hit off its books for the next four years.

Salary and draft pick info via PuckPedia. Prospect info via The Athletic.