When the Nashville Predators and their GM Barry Trotz dipped into the 2024 NHL Free Agency pool, they didn’t cause ripples–they made waves. One of their key signings was then 33-year-old Jonathan Marchessault. The winger had just completed a magnificent stint with the Vegas Golden Knights, capped off by a 42-goal, 69-point campaign in 2023-24. Trotz gave Marchessault everything Vegas bafflingly didn’t, signing him to a 5-year, $27.5 million contract to join fellow newcomers Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei. Many prognosticators had the Predators easily eclipsing the 98 points they had just accumulated, going as far as labeling them Stanley Cup Contenders.
Fast forward seven months. The Predators are not only going to have a lower point total than they did last season, but they are currently a lottery team with virtually no hope of making a post-season appearance. Trotz’s experiment has not worked and he has not been shy about his willingness to hit the reset button already. Here’s what he said in November when the Predators limped out of the gate:
“I’m trying to do some things right now. We will be limited a little because of the contracts that we have… but if we don’t get it going, then I’m going to start our rebuild plan.”
The Predators did not get it going. So will Trotz stick to his word and start selling? For this exercise, we’re going to assume he will.
The Los Angeles Kings are reportedly looking for a scoring winger that can boost their power play and overall offense. Despite Nashville being a disappointment this season, Marchessault has been his usual self, scoring 17 goals and 44 points in 54 games. That puts him on pace for 26 goals and 67 points, which would represent the third highest regular season point total of his career.
For what it’s worth, Nashville and Los Angeles have been keeping an eye on another recently–AND Marchessault is a Pat Brisson client.
Jonathan Marchessault with a four-point outburst tonight. He’s got six points in his last three games.
How will the Preds respond to their face plant?
He’s a right shot. He’s a Brisson client. There’s been some footsy played between Nashville and #GoKingsGo scouts.
— Andrew Knoll (@AndrewKnollNHL) February 9, 2025
WHY IT WORKS
Let’s start with the obvious–Marchessault is a right shot, scoring winger who consistently produces on the power play. Those aspects alone check several boxes for the Kings. 17 of Marchessault’s 44 points have come on the power play. Kevin Fiala leads the Kings with…