A recent trade matchmaker piece from The Athletic linking Jonathan Marchessault to the Montreal Canadiens didn’t land the way some NHL insiders may have expected. Instead of excitement, the idea sparked swift and overwhelming pushback from Canadiens fans — many of whom see the rumor as a step backward from the organization’s stated rebuild.
The original context, laid out by Chris Johnston, made logical sense on the surface. Marchessault holds a full no-movement clause, is a Quebec native, and would likely welcome a move to Montreal. The former Conn Smythe winner could add experience and offense to one of the NHL’s youngest rosters, potentially slotting into the top six. Making it work, however, would require money going out — with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit identified as the obvious offset.
That’s where the backlash began.
Fans Didn’t Like the Marchessault-to-Montreal Idea All That Much
The dominant reaction from most fans in the post’s comments section was direct. One fan even called it a “lazy” narrative. Marchessault turns 35 this week, is signed for multiple years at a $5.5 million cap hit, doesn’t play center, and isn’t known for his defensive game. For a rebuilding team prioritizing flexibility, youth, and internal development, many see that contract as a poor fit regardless of the player’s résumé.
Jonathan Marchessault Predators
Several commenters pointed out that Montreal already passed on Marchessault in free agency due to concerns about the term. Trading assets now to acquire the same contract — after it’s aged another year — makes little sense. Others pushed back on the idea that a player being Québécois should automatically link him to the Canadiens, calling that line of thinking lazy and outdated.
There’s also a roster reality working against the rumor. Montreal’s projected top six already includes Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovský, and Ivan Demidov. Suppose the team adds Marchessault, that leaves limited space for younger forwards like Alex Newhook, Emil Heineman, or prospects pushing for roles. Adding Marchessault would either block development or force further moves — all while committing term to a declining winger.
Perhaps most telling was the repeated refrain: this would feel like abandoning the rebuild’s principles. Fans who accepted recent short-term additions, like Phillip Danault, still viewed those moves as targeted and temporary. Marchessault, by contrast, is seen as expensive, redundant, and out of alignment with the team’s timeline.
Could the Canadiens explore veteran scoring at some point? Absolutely. But judging by the reaction, this isn’t the veteran — and this isn’t the time.
Next: Analyst Urges the Maple Leafs to Explore Morgan Rielly Trade
