LAS VEGAS (AP) — An original Golden Knight, Jonathan Marchessault wanted to stay in Las Vegas, but he also understood as well as anyone that this organization will do what it believes will put the team in the best position to win in the near and long term. Even if that means allowing one of the most popular players in the franchise's short history to leave, which is what happened when Marchessault signed with the Nashville Predators on July 1. “There’s definitely no loyalty but, at the same time, you’re there to win," Marchessault said about the Golden Knights on the The Cam and Strick Podcast .
"I don’t mind that mindset, personally.” That's the dichotomy for those in the Golden Knights organization. Management will provide whatever tools are needed to compete for the Stanley Cup, but that also comes with the understanding that the leash can be short.
And that applies to players and coaches. Marchessault won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023, and last season he scored 42 goals, just one off the club record. But with an eye on the future, the Golden Knights also knew Marchessault turns 34 this December.
There's a disagreement on the terms from each side, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon told The Associated Press that the Golden Knights wanted to keep Marchessault. As for providing a more detailed explanation, McCrimmon referred to earlier comments he made on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio that Nashville offered Marchessault a deal that was a year longer.
