Jonathan Marchessault #81 of the Nashville Predators skates against the San Jose Sharks during an NHL game on April 13, 2026 in Nashville, Tennessee. (Photo by John Russell/NHLI via Getty Images) Trade speculation surrounding veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault continues ahead of the 2026-27 NHL season, and the Nashville Predators may be faced with a major offseason decision. Combine that with Marchessault’s declining production and long-term contract and there’s been speculation the franchise could look into a move before training camp.The Predators have seemingly added to the competition for top-six roles after reshaping their forward group with younger talent. There is no trade on the horizon, but Marchessault’s future is one of the NHL’s most closely watched offseason sagas because of his experience, contract and no-movement clause.
Jonathan Marchessault and Nashville Predators NHL trade rumors continue
Jonathan Marchessault is still being talked about in NHL trade rumors as the Nashville Predators have remade their roster this offseason.General manager Barry Trotz and the Predators have added to the forward group with players such as Mavrik Bourque, Ross Colton, Jack Drury and Nils Höglander. The additions have made Marchessault’s long-term fit a frequent talking point, increasing competition for scoring roles.Marchessault is in the third year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract that carries a $5.5 million cap hit. But his full no-movement clause means the Predators can’t complete a trade without his approval of where he’s headed.CategoryDetailsPlayerJonathan MarchessaultCurrent TeamNashville PredatorsPositionLeft Wing / Right WingRumored TeamsMontreal Canadiens, Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken, Chicago BlackhawksContract StatusIn the third year of a five-year, $27.5 million contract with Nashville.Salary Cap Hit$5.5 million AAV through the remainder of his contract.Contract ProtectionHolds a full no-movement clause (NMC), giving him complete control over whether he can be traded.2025-26 Production12 goals, 31 points in 62 games, following a 56-point debut season with Nashville.Main Reason for Trade SpeculationDeclining offensive production, an aging roster profile, and increased competition from younger forwards have raised questions about his long-term fit.Nashville’s Offseason AdditionsThe Predators strengthened their forward group with players including Mavrik Bourque, Ross Colton, Jack Drury and Nils Höglander, increasing competition for top-six roles.Why Contenders Remain InterestedMarchessault offers proven playoff experience, championship pedigree and veteran leadership despite his recent statistical decline.Career HighlightsStanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe Trophy winner with the Vegas Golden Knights.Potential Trade DestinationsMontreal is viewed as a logical fit because of Marchessault’s Quebec roots, while Philadelphia, Seattle and Chicago have the financial flexibility to absorb his contract.Trade LikelihoodModerate; speculation continues, but any move depends entirely on Marchessault agreeing to waive his no-movement clause.Biggest Obstacle to a TradeNashville cannot complete a deal unless Marchessault approves the destination under the terms of his contract.General ManagerBarry Trotz is overseeing the club’s roster transition toward a younger forward group.Latest OutlookJonathan Marchessault remains with Nashville, but his future is expected to remain one of the NHL’s most closely watched trade storylines as training camp approaches.
How Jonathan Marchessault’s recent production impacts Nashville Predators decisions
The recent offensive struggles of Jonathan Marchessault have helped fuel part of the speculation. He finished the 2025-26 campaign with 12 goals and 31 points in 62 games after posting 56 points in his first season with Nashville. While injuries and line combinations have been part of the problem, the decline has raised questions about his role going forward on a younger roster.Even with the reduced production, Marchessault is an attractive option for contenders because of his Stanley Cup championship and Conn Smythe Trophy-winning history with the Vegas Golden Knights.
What teams could pursue Jonathan Marchessault if available?
If Jonathan Marchessault waives his protection, a few teams could become potential trade candidates. With Marchessault’s Quebec roots, the Montreal Canadiens continue to be viewed as a logical landing spot. Other teams often tossed around in speculation are the Philadelphia Flyers, Seattle Kraken and Chicago Blackhawks, as each has the financial wherewithal to take on some or all of his contract.Jonathan Marchessault remains a member of the Nashville Predators for the time being. But with training camp looming and roster battles heating up, his status figures to be among the more closely tracked trade stories around the NHL this offseason.