A tribute to Jonathan Marchessault
With Jonathan Marchessault leaving the Vegas Golden Knights, it's time to pay tribute to the former star and see his legacy.
With Jonathan Marchessault leaving the Vegas Golden Knights for the Nashville Predators, it's fitting to give the "Original Misfit" a proper tribute. There are many reasons why the winger deserves to be honored, including being the franchise leader in numerous categories. That consists of leading Vegas in goals (192), assists (225), and points (417).
There are other numerous accolades associated with his Vegas career. That includes winning the Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe trophies in 2023. That season, he scored 13 goals and 12 assists, making him the postseason's most valuable player. Last season, he scored 42 goals, falling one short of William Karlsson's franchise record (43 in 2017-18).
Las Vegas sports fans have an attachment to their "Original Misfits." Why? Because they set the standard for sports in Sin City. This group pulled off the miraculous feat of making the championship round in their inaugural season. With 14 other teams in the Western Conference and each team having a 0.067% chance, it's a remarkable accomplishment.
What's more, they made the championship round twice in their first six seasons. Their second go-round saw them vanquish the Florida Panthers in five games. Promises were fulfilled, a city healed from prior tragedies, and Vegas stood atop the hockey world. No. 81 played a major part in that run, proving himself to be a clutch superstar.
Therefore, it's only fitting to look back and see what Marchessault brought to the Golden Knights franchise. What made the winger special in the community? What will his legacy be when it comes to Las Vegas sports? Get your hockey sticks ready for some stick taps because it's time to honor this "Original Misfit's" legacy.
How Jonathan Marchessault came to Vegas
It's June 21, 2017. The NHL Expansion Draft is happening. Not many people were even thinking about how this team would win it all in six years, let alone make the Stanley Cup Final. Still, names like Calvin Pickard and William Carrier came off the board. Then, the eighth pick comes along and Jonathan Marchessault is selected.
Names like Aleksander Barkov and Vincent Trocheck were protected, laying down the seeds for what was to come. Meanwhile, Marchessault was coming off an emergent season with the Panthers. In 2016-17, he scored 30 goals and 21 assists. He would provide some scoring for Vegas, bolstering their winger depth. Little did anybody know this pick from Florida would impact the team out of the gate.
The winger would score 27 goals and 48 assists the next season, leading the Vegas Golden Knights to the championship round. Fueled by motivation to heal a reeling community, the team was going full-steam to their first Stanley Cup. Unfortunately, Alex Ovechkin and the Washington Capitals stopped them in five games, winning their first title in franchise history.
Jonathan Marchessault's stats
As mentioned, he would lead the Vegas Golden Knights to their first championship in 2023. He won the Conn Smythe by scoring a postseason-leading 13 goals. During the 2022-23 regular season, he scored 28 goals and 29 assists. Last season was when he posted his career-high 42 goals. His career-high in assists? 48 in 2017-18.
In his Golden Knights tenure, he scored 103 power play points (42 goals, 61 assists). His 42 power play goals would also be a franchise record. However, his 61 power play assists would be second in Golden Knights history behind Shea Theodore (74). Still, he's proven himself as a valuable asset to the man advantage, which would've been catastrophic without his presence.
The beloved "Misfit" also holds franchise records in game-winning goals (32), even-strength goals (150), and goals created (166.4). Part of why his departure is bittersweet is because he set the standard within the franchise. Through an excellent work ethic and perserverance, he's become one of the most iconic players in Vegas's short-lived history.
Where is Jonathan Marchessault now?
As many fans have heard, Jonathan Marchessault signed a five-year, $5.5 AAV deal with the Nashville Predators. He heads off to Music City with Steven Stamkos and Brady Skjei to form a potent team. With Nashville's hard-hitting ways mixed with seasoned veteran leadership (and scoring), they'll become a threat to win the Stanley Cup.
As for the Golden Knights, it's sad to see such a revered player leave town. It's akin to losing a close friend or family member, for they've created countless memories with you. Remembering this Vegas Golden Knights star will hit differently with fans, for he won't be an obscure trivia question.
Instead, he'll be an impactful player who brought Las Vegas its first title in the four major sports. His story, coming from being undrafted to winning the Conn Smythe, is Vegas's story. Nobody believed in them on day one, yet they proved all the skeptics wrong. Good luck in Nashville, Jonathan Marchessault. Here's hoping you won't forget about the great times in Las Vegas.
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