Jonathan Marchessault opens up about why he parted ways with the Golden Knights
Photo credit: Steve Marcus/Las Vegas Sun via AP)
The departure of Jonathan Marchessault, the original misfit and 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner, was a tough pill to swallow for Vegas Golden Knights fans.
His move to the Nashville Predators marked the end of an era for the franchise, especially after his significant role in securing their 2023 Stanley Cup victory.
Marchessault, a franchise icon, helped build the Golden Knights from the ground up, becoming a key figure in their rapid rise to success. However, as he left the team, his exit was far from amicable.
During his appearance on The Cam & Strick Podcast on Tuesday, Marchessault expressed his unhappiness with how his exit from the Vegas Golden Knights was handled, admitting disappointment over leaving. He remarked that while Vegas is driven to improve annually, they also need to show more consideration for how they treat people-a quality he believes is missing.
"Every year they have the mentality that you need to always get better but at the same time there are a few guys you have to treat well and that is something that is lacking in Vegas." Marchessault said.
He added, "There's definitely no loyalty but at the same time you are there to win. I don't mind that mindset. Obviously I'm disappointed that I left. I thought I've done good enough in the last seven years to deserve what I deserve, but that's life and you move on."
He added, "There's definitely no loyalty but at the same time you are there to win. I don't mind that mindset. Obviously I'm disappointed that I left. I thought I've done good enough in the last seven years to deserve what I deserve, but that's life and you move on."
The disagreement between Marchessault and the Golden Knights' management was straightforward. General Manager Kelly McCrimmon and President of Hockey Operations George McPhee drew a hard line at three years for the 33-year-old, while Marchessault was adamant about securing a four-year deal. Once both sides realized they couldn't agree, the negotiations came to an abrupt halt. There were no further discussions-just a mutual decision to part ways.
Bittersweet farewell but no hard feelings
Despite the bitter ending to his seven-year stint in Vegas, Marchessault maintained a respectful tone when discussing the Golden Knights.
"I have no hard feelings", he said, and nothing bad to say about Vegas."
His departure might have left a hole in the fanbase, but the respect between the player and the franchise remains intact.
Marchessault heads to Nashville with Steven Stamkos
Marchessault's new chapter will begin with the Nashville Predators, joining another veteran, Steven Stamkos, whose time with the Tampa Bay Lightning also ended unexpectedly.
For Vegas fans, watching their beloved misfit wear a different jersey will be tough, but they'll always cherish the memories of the Stanley Cup they won together.
Source: Blades of Steel
Jonathan Marchessault tears into the Vegas Golden Knights and their culture}»
Jonathan Marchessault tears into the Vegas Golden Knights and their culture}»
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10 SEPTEMBRE | 147 ANSWERS Jonathan Marchessault opens up about why he parted ways with the Golden Knights Do you think Jonathan Marchessault and new teammate Steven Stamkos will do some serious damage this year in Nashville? | ||
| Yes | 118 | 80.3 % |
| No | 29 | 19.7 % |
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