Photo credit: Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
Things are heating up around Jonathan Marchessault in terms of a potential trade, and the Montreal Canadiens are resurfacing in the rumors.
The key point is his no-movement clause. With a clause like that, nothing happens without his approval, and Johnston specifically emphasizes that aspect.
Confirmed: Jonathan Marchessault would agree to be traded to the Montreal Canadiens, according to Chris Johnston
“This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he’s got that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL’s youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs’ top-six forward group.
Facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine’s $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go.
The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase.”
– Chris Johnston
Marchessault is 35 years old and is under contract in Nashville with a cap hit of $5.5M. His deal runs through the end of the 2028-2029 season. This season, he has played 28 games, with 7 goals and 10 points, along with a -18 plus/minus rating, according to the NHL’s official stats.
The detail that raises eyebrows is that Johnston talks about a scenario that “would be well received” by Marchessault if he were traded to the Montreal Canadiens. We’re not talking about a player who simply has to go along with things. We’re talking about a veteran who can say yes or no, and that completely changes the situation.
In Montreal, this story is even more intriguing because we already know that Kent Hughes has tried his luck before. Marchessault has confirmed in the past that the Canadiens made him an offer before he ultimately chose Nashville.
So when an insider like Johnston brings Montreal back into the picture, it reminds us that this link isn’t being invented from scratch. Obviously, that doesn’t mean a trade is imminent.
But the fact that the player would be open to it, despite having a no-movement clause, removes a major obstacle from the file. If this ever moves forward, Montreal could also benefit from rare timing.
Marchessault already had a big 42-goal season in 2023-2024, and he has playoff experience.
Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics