It’s time for another edition of NHL rumours on this Canada Day. The big day has arrived and signings are already happening. However, not everyone has put pen to paper on a new deal. Some players have yet to decide their futures. General Managers did the best they could to retain some of their key pieces. However, some players are going to hit the open market and test the free agent waters. This edition of NHL rumours looks at a Vegas Golden Knights forward that could be on the move.
All NHL Rumours come from the original source and are subject to change.
NHL Rumours
Vegas Forward to Hit Free Agency
Rumour: A number of insiders have reported that Golden Knights forward Jonathan Marchessault is going to test free agency. Both Frank Seravalli and Pierre LeBrun reported that the two sides couldn’t come to an agreement. There’s no doubt that General Manager Kelly McCrimmon tried to make it work, but a deal just wasn’t in the cards.
Jonathan Marchessault is headed to market Monday.
Unable to come to terms with the Vegas Golden Knights.— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2024
Analysis: Marchessault is one of the original Misfits from the Golden Knights. However, it seems like it’s going to be time for him to move on. The former Conn Smythe winner and management couldn’t come to a new deal. Sometimes two sides couldn’t come to a deal and it looks like this was the case.
He was the Golden Knights’ all-time leader in games played (544), goals (192), assists (225) and points (417). This past season he led the team in goals (42) and points (68). It truly feels like the end of an era in Sim City.
Where to Next?
It’s no secret that the 33-year-old will help bolster any team he joins. However, the veteran forward is in his 30s and there’s always a worry about regression. He’s be a 40-goal scorer, but the worry about sustaining that pace is a valid one.
The Sportsnet staff compiled a list of three teams that could take a run at Marchessault. This list included the Edmonton Oilers, Los Angeles Kings and the Vancouver Canucks.
The Case for Each
All of these teams would add a proven scorer and they were all also Stanley Cup Playoff teams. Edmonton would get a player that would add an extra layer of depth when Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl are tested. However, there are valid concerns with Draisaitl’s deal coming up at the end of the 2024-25 season.
Vancouver will probably lose Elias Lindholm in the free agent window. However, Marchessault could soften that blow and slide right in the top six. Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin has been busy clearing cap room and this pickup could be a prized one.
Los Angeles has already been making moves this off-season, but needs to bolster its scoring. The Kings have been a frequent victim of the Oilers in the last few post-seasons. Viktor Arvidsson is an unrestricted free agent and likely won’t be back. Adding the veteran forward would provide a more durable option for the team’s top six forwards.
Marchessault may be done with the Golden Knights. However, he holds plenty of cards.
Main photo by: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
