The Vegas Golden Knights are cutting ties with another one of their ‘Golden Misfits,’ opening the door for another team to sign one of the top goal scorers on the market.
Veteran winger Jonathan Marchessault will officially hit the open market on Monday, bringing the end to an era for the Golden Knights. Marchessault departs Vegas as the Golden Knights’ all-time leader in games played (544), goals (192), assists (225) and points (417). Marchessault was the Golden Knights’ Conn Smythe trophy winner in 2023 and last season he led the team in goals (42) and points (68).
Now Marchessault will search for a new home. Here are some possible destinations for the three-time 30-goal scorer.
All financial figures courtesy of CapFriendly.com.
Edmonton Oilers
Projected cap space: $12,933,333
Number of contracts: 14
The Oilers came within one win of the Stanley Cup but the toll of the playoffs left a mark on their depth. Leon Drasaitl was held to just three assists in the Final and Evander Kane missed the final five games with an injury.
In Marchessault, the Oilers would add another proven scorer with playoff experience to give them an extra layer of offence for the times that their depth is tested.
Edmonton has some big questions to answer this summer (including what to do with their entire third line of Adam Henqirue, Connor Brown and Mattias Janmark, who are all UFAs).
But if the Oilers decide to chase another scorer, Marchessault might be the best fit.
Vancouver Canucks
Projected cap space: $14,540,833 with LTIR moves
Number of contracts: 19
The Canucks surprised everyone with their rocket up to the top of the Pacific Divison in 2023-24 and now will be looking for an encore.
With Elias Lindholm expected to depart in free agency, Marchessault could be the addition they need for the top six.
The Canucks were connected to Jake Guentzle before he agreed to terms with the Lightning. In Marchessault, they would be getting a player with a similar profile and experience. A goal scorer who could be the perfect mentor to young stars Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser.
Los Angeles Kings
Projected cap space: $19,685,000
Number of contracts: 15
The Los Angeles Kings have never had a 40-goal scorer in the salary cap era. And that has been especially problematic in the playoffs against the Oilers in recent years.
Last season the Kings ranked 17th in goals-for and 12th in power play percentage. In the playoffs, they did not score a single goal against the lethal Oilers penalty kill.
Viktor Arvidsson is an unrestricted free agent meaning the Kings have a spot in the top six for a scorer of Marchessault’s calibre.
The Kings are trying to keep their window open while Anze Kopitar and Drew Doughty remain at the top of their games. If they land Marchessault as part of that pursuit, they would improve on the ice and add some extra spice to their rivalry with the Golden Knights.
