Jonathan Marchessault was one of the marquee signings of last year's free agency. He was part of the Nashville Predators' spending spree, alongside Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei. Marchessault didn't live up to the expectations in Nashville, and neither did the rest of the signings. However, it looks like it might've been a comfort issue, as he is open to a fresh start for 2025-26.
Frank Seravalli appeared on Daily Faceoff Live Wednesday morning and dropped a note that Marchessault is open to moving on and he would love to go home to Montreal to finish the remainder of his contract. It'd be a nice story for the former Conn Smythe Trophy winner, but the question is whether he'd fit in Montreal's future plans.
"“I think in a 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 can see him helping a pretty good offense already to take that next step. He seems like a true Marty St. Louis type player, doesn’t he?”"Frank Seravalli
Marchessault doesn't solve the second-line center hole, but he would be an interesting wrinkle as opposed to Patrik Laine in the top-six. In this scenario, would the Canadiens trade Laine to make it work, or would they move him to the bottom-six as more of a powerplay specialist? At Laine's cap hit, it wouldn't make much sense to put him in that role, and they run the risk of having two overpaid players in the top nine.
Marchessault's deal expires after the 2028-29 season. If last season was the beginning of a regression, it might not be wise to acquire him. However, if it was just a blip on the radar, it could be a good opportunity to buy him at his lowest value.
Marchessault also had a poor 2022-23 regular season before going on to win the playoff MVP and a Stanley Cup. The following season, his last with the Vegas Golden Knights, Marchessault bounced back with 69 points in 82 games.
This kind of output on the second line alongside Ivan Demidov and whoever plays the middle could be the shot in the arm the Canadiens need to become legitimite contenders. We already know he'd be a fan favorite given his hometown.