The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens have both been predicted to target the same Nashville Predators forward as the NHL trade deadline nears.
According to two different reporters from The Athletic, the two Original Six rivals could be interested in the Predators’ Jonathan Marchessault, and make for good fits if the player waives his no-move clause to facilitate a trade.
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Pierre LeBrun of The Athletic linked the player to the Leafs in a “trade matchmaker” piece in which he noted Toronto could improve its top-six forward group by adding Marchessault.
“The Leafs don’t have many assets to trade,” LeBrun wrote. “For the Predators, this would be more about moving the remainder of the contract — three more seasons after this one at a $5.5 million cap hit.”
Added LeBrun: “Marchessault would have to consent via his full no-movement clause, but he would consider the Leafs for a top-six role skating alongside either Auston Matthews or John Tavares.”
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Chris Johnston, meanwhile, mentioned the Canadiens as his team of choice to fit Marchessault and enter his sweepstakes. Johnston noted that Marchessault’s Quebec roots and experience could make him an attractive addition for the young Habs team.
“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,” Johnston wrote. “[He] 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.”
Nashville Predators center Jonathan Marchessault (81) skates during a stoppage of play.Ryan Sun-Imagn Images
Added Johnston: “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.”
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Marchessault, 35, has 10 points in 28 games and carries a $5.5 million cap hit for this and three more seasons.
Nashville remains outside the playoff picture, three points off the second wild-card spot in the Western Conference, and the Predators’ struggles could force a rebuild moving on from their aging core.
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This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Dec 31, 2025, where it first appeared in the NHL section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.