Nostalgia is a powerful tool. It invokes memories of good times, whether it's Jonathan Marchessault scoring a game-winning goal against the Nashville Predators or a childhood birthday. It's no wonder it's become an emerging market for many people, for it shields them from the cold confines of reality.
That's why many people were up in arms over the former Conn Smythe winner not re-signing with the Vegas Golden Knights. This summer, Marchessault and general manager Kelly McCrimmon had an elongated contract dispute. One side claimed they negotiated in bad faith, not offering him the best deal. The other said they did everything they could to keep him, including offering a deferred contract.
It's no secret Marchessault wouldn't be a fan of signing with the Los Angeles Dodgers if he played baseball. After all, NHL salaries aren't as high as those of the MLB variety. However, the lack of an "Original Misfit" left some fans with a bad taste in their mouths.
"Why didn't McCrimmon offer him that five-year deal he wanted?"
"I'm never going to a Golden Knights game ever again! Not without my MARCHY!"
While some fans have grown attached to the 33-year-old like their favorite teddy bear, the current events say otherwise. The Golden Knights are thriving while the Predators... not so much. They look more sluggish and old, sinking to the bottom of the Central Division. It's also a warning sign that not all deals are created equal.
What the Jonathan Marchessault-Kelly McCrimmon saga teaches us
First, the Vegas Golden Knights sit in first place in the Pacific Division with 39 points. They're third in the Western Conference and fourth overall, making them one of the toughest teams in the league. The Nashville Predators? They sit second-to-last in the Central Division with 20 points, only ahead of the Chicago Blackhawks (18 points).
But it goes deeper than that. Jonathan Marchessault only has five goals and eight assists this season. He's projected to score... 15 goals and 23 assists.
Surely, that five-year, $27.5 million contract looks like a smart deal by Predators general manager Barry Trotz, right?
Marchessault is part of a long list of struggling former Golden Knights from this offseason. Chandler Stephenson is projected to score six goals this season with the Seattle Kraken. Michael Amadio only has two goals and four assists this season with the Ottawa Senators. William Carrier has two goals and three assists with the Carolina Hurricanes.
One can argue that Alec Martinez has been the most reasonable signing with his new team. He might not light up the score sheet with the Chicago Blackhawks (one goal, three assists). However, the 37-year-old is still blocking shots (38 blocked shots in 15 games). While the Blackhawks will compete with the Predators for the bottom of the Central Division, Martinez provides much-needed leadership for a young team. That's especially needed when you have a generational draft pick in Connor Bedard.
The stats go much deeper for Marchessault
Last season, Jonathan Marchessault scored 12.5 goals above expected for the Vegas Golden Knights. According to MoneyPuck, that's a large leap from this season's stat of -1.4. The former Conn Smythe winner also saw his expected goals per 60 minutes dip (1.21 last season compared to 0.77 this season), along with his goals per 60 minutes (1.72 last season compared to 0.6).
Part of this dip is attributed to not having Jack Eichel on the top line. The Hart Trophy candidate (30 assists, 39 points) has made his linemates better since his Golden Knights tenure. Take Ivan Barbashev (13 goals, first on the Golden Knights) and Mark Stone (six goals, 16 assists in 14 games) as a perfect example. He's elevated both players to new heights, pushing them towards career-high stats.
Last season was no different for Marchessault. The 33-year-old spent the majority of his time on the top line, scoring 42 goals (a career-high). He also fell a goal short of the franchise record set by William Karlsson in 2017-18 (43). Without Eichel as his center, does he get to that total?
It's safe to say he doesn't. Steven Stamkos (seven goals, six assists) is starting to show his age. In fact, Gustav Nyquist has taken the right wing mantle on the top line, relegating Marchessault to the second unit. With the "Original Misfit's" struggles, he misses having Eichel on his line, where he sets up sniping opportunities to his winger.
Kelly McCrimmon was raked over the coals for not retaining a beloved "Misfit" to a long-term contract. How could one not keep a tenured player since "Day F****** One"? Well, McCrimmon found two other "Misfits" in Shea Theodore and Brayden McNabb who wanted to stick around. That must mean Marchessault wished to become the next Elvis Presley. He could've just stayed in Las Vegas and performed at the Westgate if he wanted to.