(Las Vegas) Vegas Golden Knights defenseman Brayden McNabb was asked Tuesday if he could imagine not having Jonathan Marchessault among his teammates next season.
Published yesterday at 5:49 p.m.
Mark Anderson
Associated Press
“No,” he replied, before expressing his thoughts a little, two days after the elimination of the Golden Knights at the hands of the Dallas Stars in the first round of the playoffs.
McNabb, who sits next to Marchessault in the Golden Knights locker room, could have just said no. That word was enough to express the feeling shared by his teammates about the player who represented the very definition of “Golden Misfit” – the nickname given to the original Golden Knights players.
Marchessault, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023, is one of five remaining players who played in the Golden Knights’ inaugural season in 2017-18. However, he could become an unrestricted free agent on 1er July, after setting a career high with 42 goals this season.
I did everything I could to stay here. I know I’m a big part of the team. I have proven it over the years. I would like to stay here. It’s at my house. I’ve been here since the team started and I’m happy to be a part of the Golden Knights. I would like to stay here for the rest of my life, but the decision is not entirely up to me.
Jonathan Marchessault
Marchessault said he met with general manager Kelly McCrimmon early Tuesday and told him he would also like to see him back with the team.
“It depends on whether it’s important to them or not,” Marchessault said. I want to play for a team that wants me. I have many good years left to give. I don’t play for fun. I play because I want to win. I want to play somewhere that will help me win. »
McCrimmon praised the work of the 33-year-old Quebecer.
“We love the player and his value goes beyond what you see on the ice,” McCrimmon said. He is an important member of our leadership group. There is a sincere desire on both sides to discuss. This is what we are going to do. »
Marchessault’s future is just one of many storylines surrounding the team this summer.
Forward William Carrier, another “Golden Misfit,” could also avail himself of full autonomy, as could forwards Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio and Anthony Mantha and defenseman Alec Martinez.
Mantha did not have much success after being acquired before the end of the trade period. On the other hand, Carrier, Stephenson and Martinez all have important roles within the team and their departure could mark a divide in the team’s history compared to its beginnings.
The next few months will determine what type of team the Golden Knights will have next fall and whether they can maintain their place among the best teams in the NHL.
The team management has never been afraid to take big shots. After missing the playoffs for the first time in 2022, the Golden Knights bounced back by winning top honors the following year. They may want to use the quick elimination against the Stars as motivation.
“That should motivate us, because after all, there is only one team that is truly satisfied at the end of the season,” recalled center Jack Eichel. That was us last year. »
