Knights’ Marchessault To Reach Free Agency?

The NHL free agency period opens on Monday and original Golden Knight misfit Jonathan Marchessault remains unsigned.

Both Jonathan Marchessault and Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon would have liked for a contract to have been done prior to the opening of the NHL unrestricted free agency period that begins at 9AM on Monday, but it appears that the original Golden Knight in Marchessault may indeed go to market. 

At the conclusion of round 1 of the NHL draft at the Sphere on Friday night in Vegas, Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon did not divulge much on the status of the negotiations with Marchessault; saying “We’ll talk again on Monday. “

While the two sides could of course reach a deal prior to the opening bell on Monday morning, when a player comes this close to reaching free agency the draw of being able to speak to other teams often becomes to powerful. 

Marchessault, 33, is coming off a career high of 42 goals and is a driving force for the Golden Knights offensive production. In 514 games played for Vegas, Marchessault has compiled 192 goals and 417 points. 

Vegas also has forwards Chandler Stephenson, Michael Amadio and William Carrier who can reach the open market, as well as defenseman Alec Martinez. The representatives for those 4 players did not respond to THN’s inquires for updates. 

Forward Anthony Mantha will also become a UFA and was informed he will not be returning.