Jonathan Marchessault and VGK GM shell contradicting statements about failed extension talks

Jonathan Marchessault’s move from the Vegas Golden Knights to the Nashville Predators has led to a dispute between him and former GM Kelly McCrimmon.

Marchessault, who was a key player for the Golden Knights and won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023, shared details about his contract talks on "The Cam & Strick Podcast" earlier on Tuesday. He wanted a four-year deal but was only offered three years. Marchessault reached out directly to GM Kelly McCrimmon and President George McPhee to discuss his future with the team.

In the end, Marchessault signed a five-year, $27.5 million contract with the Predators on July 1st. He was disappointed by the Golden Knights’ lack of loyalty but understood their need to stay competitive. He felt his seven years with the team deserved better recognition.

"... I thought I had done good enough in the past seven years for them that I could deserve what I deserved," Marchessault said (via Cam & Strick Podcast).

Now, McCrimmon explained the Golden Knights’ position in an interview with SiriusXM NHL Network Radio. He said the team was not willing to match the five-year offer from Nashville.

"Well there's a lot that goes into it. We did offer him 4 years, which then it ended up turning into a 5 year deal from Nashville that just wasn't a term we were comfortable in going to... there's just no supporting data that justify, or in our minds, demonstrate a reason to have wingers that age like that at the end of their career," McCrimmon said.

McCrimmon noted that the Golden Knights had offered a four-year contract before the 2024 NHL Draft. Marchessault’s request for a longer deal created a gap in negotiations. The team chose not to extend beyond four years, sticking to their management strategy.

Jonathan Marchessault's move to Predators will test Golden Knights’ decision

On July 1, 2024, the Nashville Predators signed Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year contract worth $27.5 million. The deal averages $5.5 million per year. Barry Trotz, the Predators' general manager, is excited to have Marchessault on the team.

“A Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner, Jonathan Marchessault immediately makes our team better in all aspects of the game, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Predators organization...,” Trotz said (via NHL.com on July 1).

Marchessault has 487 points in 638 NHL games. He scored a career-high 42 goals last season. His goal scoring and physical play should boost Nashville's lineup, including players like Filip Forsberg and Ryan O'Reilly.

Marchessault led the Vegas Golden Knights in scoring and played a key role in their 2023 Stanley Cup win. Marchessault’s time with the Predators will show if the Golden Knights’ choice was the right one or not.