Jonathan Marchessault has been with the Vegas Golden Knights since its conception but could he have just played his final game with the team?
Jonathan Marchessault has been with the Vegas Golden Knights since its conception but could he have just played his final game with the team?
514 games, 192 goals, 225 assists and 417 points are all Golden Knights' franchise records. An original misfit who won a Stanley Cup and a Conn Smythe Trophy with the team but a game 7 loss to the Dallas Stars may have been his last game with the team.
Marchessault spoke about the possibility of leaving in free agency and what being a Golden Knight means to him.
"I've done everything I can to stay here. I know I'm a big part of that organization, I've proved it along the years," said Marchessault. "I'm pretty confident, I'd love to stay. It's my home, I've been part of the guys that started this, it's the most proud thing I've done in my life, professionally. I'm happy to be a Golden Knight, I would like to be one for the rest of my life, but that's not necessarily only in my control. I love it here, I want to stay here for sure, but we'll see."
The 33-year-old played in all 82 games this season scoring 42 goals and 69 points. He set a new career-high in goals and put up his second-highest point total of his career. In seven games against the Dallas Stars in the first round, he scored two goals and four points.
Marchessault mentioned that his contract status was something that was on his mind.
"I thought about it all year, to be honest." He also went on to say that it went through his mind before the final regular season game against Anaheim, and while leaving the rink after Game 6, that it could be the last time.
Throughout his time with the Golden Knights, Marchessault has been regarded as a great teammate. Brayden McNabb, another original misfit was in agreement with this and said:
"We know it’s business, but we all hope to have Jon back."
Alex Pietrangelo spoke about what it means to have Marchessault as a teammate.
"You want to talk about coming to work everyday and having fun, that's Jonathan Marchessault."
The Canadian winger also said that he spoke to General Manager Kelly McCrimmon in the morning and said that the Golden Knights GM wants him to stay and that the feeling is mutual.
McCrimmon is set for an offseason filled with vital decisions and none are more important than his decision on Marchessault. Would the cap space be better spent on one player or through multiple players. His decision will not only affect the team but the fans who have grown to love Marchessault so greatly.
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