TORONTO – Even with the Stanley Cup victory in 2023 still fresh in Las Vegas, the Golden Knights may be forced to give up Conn Smythe Trophy winner Jonathan Marchessault when he becomes a free agent on July 1. 

The 33-year old is coming off the six-year, $30 million contract he signed in January 2018, while still in his first season in Vegas after being selected in the expansion draft seven months earlier. Prior to that, Marchessault had stops in Florida, Tampa Bay, and Columbus, where he was first signed as an undrafted free agent.

In the 2023-24 season, Marchessault reached his career high in goals with 42, and had his second-highest point total (69) in his 11 year career in the NHL. In the seven game series against Dallas in the first round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, Marchessault added two goals and two assists as the Golden Knights fell to the Stars.

As the Knights’ all-time leader in games played with 514, it will certainly be tough for both sides to move on. However, without the available cap space it would take to sign Marchessault, the Knights will have no choice but to either move on from their leader, or create cap space by moving other players.

At 33, it’s likely that Marchessault and his agent Pat Brisson (CAA) will be looking to cash in on one more lucrative contract, coming off a productive season in which Marchessault played all 82 regular season games.

Here are a few of the most likely destinations for Jonathan Marchessault.

Vegas Golden Knights

It should be no surprise that the 2023 Stanley Cup Champion Vegas Golden Knights would want to re-sign their Conn Smythe winner, but that will prove to be difficult in the cap era. The Knights have just under $1.2 million in projected salary cap space, largely in part to their trade deadline acquisition of Tomas Hertl, who comes into this season with a $6.75 million cap hit, money that could have gone to Marchessault.

It’s been reported that Vegas and Marchessault are in talks on a contract, but that will require the Golden Knights to create the required cap space. It’s expected that President of Hockey Operations George McPhee and General Manager Kelly McCrimmon will be creative in their approach this off-season, as they’ve been as progressive as any front office in bringing in talent to extend their Stanley Cup window.

This could involve parting with an unexpected player, in order to free up the money needed to sign Marchessault. By doing so, the Knights could bring in a young prospect or impact player that may not be ready for full-time NHL ice time right away.

Should Vegas make a move in order to keep Marchessault, expect the organization to reward him for his loyalty to the expansion franchise.

PREDICTION: $26 MILLION OVER 4 YEARS ($6.5 MILLION AAV)

New York Rangers 

After being eliminated in the Eastern Conference Finals by the eventual Stanley Cup Champion Florida Panthers, in which the Rangers scored more than two goals only once in the six-game series, it signalled that New York is close, but not there yet.

The Rangers have found their identity, speed and skill to go along with toughness and goaltending from Igor Shesterkin. In the past, the Rangers have used the trade deadline to add offence and experience heading into the playoffs (see Vladimir Tarasenko, Patrick Kane), with mixed results.

By signing Marchessault to a multi-year contract this offseason, the Rangers have the opportunity to bring in a bonafide leader and playoff performer, and can give him the runway of a full season to make an impact.

With almost $13 million in projected salary cap space, the Rangers will be looking to re-sign this year’s acquisitions in Alexander Wennberg and Jack Roslovic, but should also be shopping for pieces to put them over the top. Marchessault would go a long way in adding Stanley Cup pedigree to an organization that has been to the conference finals two of the last three seasons.

PREDICTION: $24 MILLION OVER 4 YEARS ($6 MILLION AAV)

Montreal Canadiens

As the Montreal Canadiens continue their rebuild in 2024-25, Jonathan Marchessault, from Cap-Rouge, Quebec, is exactly the type of player they should be targeting. Hardworking as an undersized winger, with a knack for scoring goals in big moments, Marchessault would provide a leadership role for the Habs young stars in Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, and Juraj Slafkovsky as they enter the next chapter in their careers.

The Canadiens will have just under $9.5 million in projected cap space this offseason, and have a number of expiring contracts next season that could allow them to make a run at a big name like Marchessault. The talent and experience the Conn Smythe winner brings could help propel the Habs into their next phase, and back into the playoffs after three straight seasons on the outside looking in.

For Marchessault, heading home to play in Montreal could be a goal in his unlikely yet illustrious career, and Montreal should be doing everything they can to bring him in.

PREDICTION: $18 MILLION OVER 3 YEARS ($6 MILLION AAV)

With the situation in Vegas still in flux, the odds that Marchessault returns to the Golden Knights are ever-changing, opening the door for a number of teams to potentially snatch away the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner.

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