Jonathan Marchessault’s 2024-25 season with the Nashville Predators was a major disappointment, marked by struggles that left the team languishing at the bottom of the NHL standings. With Nashville finishing last and looking toward a rebuild, Marchessault’s potential trade to Montreal Canadiens has garnered attention as a likely move during the upcoming offseason.
After making the playoffs in the previous year and pushing the Vancouver Canucks hard, the Predators’ front office, led by GM Barry Trotz, bet big on a championship run. Nashville signed key players Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei to substantial contracts. However, the team’s performance fell far short of expectations, ending with a dismal 30-44-8 record and a last-place finish with 68 points.
Marchessault’s personal statistics declined alongside the team’s fortunes, and he openly acknowledged the mental challenges of the season. As the offseason approaches, Nashville faces an uncertain crossroads, with trade discussions growing surrounding its veteran players, including Marchessault. According to NHL insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, the 34-year-old winger appears receptive to relocation, with Montreal emerging as a top destination linked to his preferences.
Insight into Marchessault’s Willingness to Join Montreal
In a recent video update from Daily Faceoff, Frank Seravalli highlighted Marchessault’s openness to a trade, particularly his interest in playing for the Montreal Canadiens, a franchise valued at $3 billion per Forbes. Seravalli explained that Marchessault would ideally want to “go home” and sees joining the Canadiens as a positive fit within their offensive lineup.
“I think he’s pretty open… I think he’s open to the idea. I think in a perfect, perfect world, he would love to go to the Montreal Canadiens and go home. I don’t know how open they are to that given the term on his deal. But, you could see him helping a pretty good offense already, kind of, continue to take that next step. And he feels just like a true Marty St. Louis-type player,” Seravalli said (4:12).
Marchessault’s contract with Nashville, signed as an unrestricted free agent in 2024, runs for five years with a total value of $27.5 million, leaving four years remaining. This long-term commitment complicates potential trade negotiations for both Nashville and any interested team.
Marchessault’s Standing on Frank Seravalli’s Trade Target List
Only one season into his tenure with the Predators, Marchessault’s future in Nashville is uncertain, as highlighted by Frank Seravalli’s recent trade board rankings. Seravalli placed Marchessault at number five on his list of offseason trade candidates, underscoring the urgency for the Predators to rebuild with younger players and reduce their veteran salary commitments.
“After a disastrous, 28th-place finish, the Predators need to get younger. In a hurry. And they’d be smart to also shed one of their long-term commitments to older players, too. The belief is Marchessault is open to moving on after one year in the Music City,” Seravalli wrote.
As the NHL offseason progresses toward its busiest period, Marchessault’s name is likely to remain prominent, especially with the Montreal Canadiens seen as a logical destination. The Canadiens could benefit from adding a player experienced in playoff competition who fits a dynamic offensive style, providing an immediate boost as they look to improve their roster.