The future of Jonathan Marchessault with the Vegas Golden Knights remains uncertain, stirring concern among fans as contract negotiations appear stalled.
Marchessault, speaking to reporters on Tuesday, May 28, at the World Series of Poker, revealed that he has yet to receive a call from the team regarding a new contract. “They said they were interested in definitely re-signing me, and we’ll see. Technically, they have time until June 30, so we’ll see how it goes,” he stated.
With just over a month until the start of free agency, the Golden Knights have not initiated talks with Marchessault, a critical player in their lineup. “The Golden Knights want to be good every year, so they’re probably looking at all their options and checking what’s out there,” Marchessault noted.
The 33-year-old winger, who scored a career-high 42 goals this season, made his desire to stay in Vegas clear earlier in May. “I’ve done everything I can to stay here,” he said on May 9.
Vegas GM Kelly McCrimmon Wants Marchessault Back
Marchessault, a Day 1 member of the Vegas franchise, has been pivotal to the team since its inception. His standout performance in 2023, leading the team to its first Stanley Cup and earning the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP, underscores his value.
Golden Knights General Manager Kelly McCrimmon expressed a strong desire to re-sign Marchessault. “We really like the player, and his value extends beyond what you see on the ice,” McCrimmon said on May 7. “He’s an important guy in our dressing room, so there’s certainly a real strong willingness from both sides to have real good discussions.”
Despite these comments, Marchessault revealed that the team delayed negotiations last summer, opting to wait until the 2024 offseason. “I asked last summer to discuss it before the season. They said they’re not ready, and after that, there’s been no talk during the season,” he said.
Marchessault, who signed a six-year, $30 million deal in January 2018, is set to become an unrestricted free agent on July 1.
Vegas Golden Knights’ Ruthless Roster Construction
The Golden Knights are known for their strategic and often ruthless roster moves, utilizing cap management tactics such as long-term injured reserve placements and strategic trade deadline acquisitions. This year, the team added forward Tomas Hertl and defenseman Noah Hanifin, with Hanifin signing an eight-year, $7.35 million AAV contract, potentially signaling Marchessault’s exit.
Draft in Las Vegas Forcing a Change of Strategy?
Kevin Allen of Vegas Hockey Now suggested on May 28 that the upcoming NHL draft in Las Vegas could influence the Golden Knights’ strategy regarding Marchessault. With the draft held at the Sphere, the team might keep their first-round pick (No. 19) to please fans, focusing on drafting and developing talent rather than relying solely on trades.
“The Golden Knights use draft picks more like tradable commodities than a means to stock their roster,” Allen wrote. “GM Kelly McCrimmon prefers to use his draft picks or drafted prospects to acquire experienced players.”
Drafting a young player and moving on from Marchessault could free up valuable cap space, allowing the team to address other needs or re-sign other players with expiring contracts.
Alongside Marchessault, other key pending free agents for the Golden Knights include Anthony Mantha, Chandler Stephenson, William Carrier, Michael Amadio, and Pavel Dorofeyev at the forward position, and Alec Martinez on defense.
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