Last summer, the Nashville Predators made big moves by signing Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei, and Jonathan Marchessault, hoping to strengthen their team. But despite these signings, the Predators ended up finishing 28th overall this season, far below expectations. Now, there are talks about possible trades involving Marchessault and changes in other NHL teams like the New York Rangers as they work to improve their rosters.
Jonathan Marchessault’s Struggles and Trade Talk
Jonathan Marchessault had a tough season with the Predators, scoring only 21 goals compared to 42 goals with the Vegas Golden Knights last season. This drop in performance has led to speculation that Marchessault might want a trade. He is 34 years old, has four years left on his contract with an average annual salary of $5.5 million, and has a no-trade list that includes 15 teams.
Frank Seravalli from Daily Faceoff suggested that the Montreal Canadiens could be a possible destination for Marchessault. The Canadiens were interested in signing him last summer but offered only a three-year contract while Marchessault wanted five years. Since then, the Canadiens’ needs have changed. According to Marc Dumont from Montreal Hockey Now, the Canadiens now prefer bigger, elite players, making it less likely they are still interested in Marchessault.
On a podcast called La Poche Bleue, Marchessault said he is happy in Nashville and satisfied with his decision to sign there. However, he also mentioned that Montreal holds a special place in his heart.
Other Potential Trade Destinations
The New Jersey Devils also showed interest in Marchessault before he signed with Nashville. James Nichols of New Jersey Hockey Now wondered if the Devils might try to sign him again this summer. Meanwhile, Hannah Kirkell from Vegas Hockey Now talked about the possibility of Marchessault returning to the Golden Knights, but his contract length was an issue before, as Vegas wanted to offer four years, and Marchessault insisted on five.
Kirkell also mentioned that the Predators might be willing to pay part of Marchessault’s salary in a trade. Nashville wants to make their team younger, but Vegas doesn’t have the right players to trade for that goal.
New York Rangers Consider Trading K’Andre Miller
The New York Rangers are also making roster changes. One player they might trade is defenseman K’Andre Miller, who is 25 years old and a restricted free agent this summer. Miller struggled this season, and his performance was a factor in the Rangers missing the playoffs.
Sports journalist Elliotte Friedman reported that the Rangers are checking the trade market for Miller, though a trade is not certain. The Rangers’ general manager, Chris Drury, has been active in trading players this season and plans to continue improving the team in the off-season.
The NHL off-season is shaping up to be busy for teams like the Nashville Predators and New York Rangers. Nashville’s big free-agent signings did not bring the success hoped for, and the future of players like Jonathan Marchessault is uncertain, with possible trades on the horizon. Meanwhile, the Rangers continue to adjust their lineup, testing the trade market for players like K’Andre Miller as they try to return to playoff contention. Fans can expect more roster changes and surprises as teams work to build stronger squads for next season.
