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Losing Jonathan Marchessault hurts

With the Vegas Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault not agreeing to a new deal, he's set to test free agency.

By Jacob Walters |
Vegas Golden Knights v Vancouver Canucks
Vegas Golden Knights v Vancouver Canucks / Derek Cain/GettyImages
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*Update: Jonathan Marchessault has signed a five-year, $5.5 million AAV deal with the Nashville Predators*

Vegas Golden Knights fans received some somber news on Sunday night. Beloved Conn Smythe winner, Jonathan Marchessault, couldn't agree to a new deal with the team by the 9 AM PST deadline. Therefore, he hits free agency and is set to sign with a new team. He won't return to the team, barring any last-minute changes.

It's a sad day for fans who have been with the franchise since "Day F****** One." The winger was drafted in the 2017 Expansion Draft from the Florida Panthers, coming off a 30-goal season prior. Along the way, he achieved the following accolades:

  • Conn Smythe winner
  • Stanley Cup winner
  • Fell one goal short of the all-time single-season record in 2023-24
  • 42 power play goals throughout his Vegas career
  • 61 power play assists throughout his Vegas career

It's easy to see why Golden Knights fans are saddened to see Marchessault go. He was a major piece to the team's puzzle, contributing in more ways than one. Need a power play goal to capitalize on an opportunity? Here comes No. 81. Want a clutch goal or two? The winger's the man for the job.

Parting is such sweet sorrow, especially with a hockey player who felt like a part of everyone's family. But this one stings in particular, for he was a key member of the Las Vegas community. He was quintessential in making Las Vegas a sports town, participating in numerous deep playoff runs. Why does losing Jonathan Marchessault hurt?

Jonathan Marchessault was a franchise player

Scoring 42 goals in a single season is impressive, especially with different factors added. That includes injuries and the personnel surrounding you. Luckily, Marchessault never had this problem with the Vegas Golden Knights, for he had solid teammates such as Mark Stone and Jack Eichel.

However, his impact on the franchise goes beyond simply being good for one season. The "Golden Misfit" was good for all seven years, setting franchise records.

Part of being a team staple is setting records, which he has done in more ways than one. Marchessault has dominated the stat sheet for Vegas, being the de facto offensive piece. Now, that piece is gone, leaving a void among the team.

Now, the good news is Steven Stamkos is on the market. The Tampa Bay Lightning legend is bigger than Marchessault and is also productive on the power play. However, he'll have numerous suitors coming for his services, too. Therefore, it'll be a tightrope act for Kelly McCrimmon to sign him. Still, signing Stamkos will soften the blow of losing the "Golden Misfit." However, it will still sting because...

Jonathan Marchessault became an essential part of the Las Vegas community

Some players positively impact a city in more ways than one. Their impact goes beyond mere stats on a sheet: they give back to the community and help others. They do this as a "thank you" of sorts, showing appreciation to the city that helped them get to the top. Jonathan Marchessault is one of those players, for he became a staple of Las Vegas through various means.

He participated in Battle for Vegas, an event started by fellow "Golden Misfit," Reilly Smith. In 2019, he played for the Golden Knights team against the Raiders. Granted, it was the only year where he participated in the event. However, that wasn't the only charitable work the winger has done in Las Vegas.

Marchessault also helped get 164 abandoned Pomeranians adopted at the Animal Foundation in 2017. Along with fellow Vegas Golden Knights players including Nate Schmidt and Marc-Andre Fleury, the "Misfit" group helped some little dogs find new loving homes. Without Marchessault, Las Vegas loses a charitable player who puts everything into the community.

Parting is such sweet sorrow for Golden Knights fans

It's going to be a rough week for Golden Knights fans dealing with one of their favorite players leaving. A town that didn't have a sports team until 2017 suddenly has one who could've been a franchise player will mourn. This loss will especially hurt because that piece was an essential part of the 2023 Stanley Cup run, winning the Conn Smythe. It's part of a cruel business with no heart, a concept that Kelly McCrimmon knows all too well.

However, life goes on and things change. Whether Marchessault heads to New Jersey, Nashville, or another unnamed team, it'll be a warm welcome for a revered "Golden Misfit" who made an impact. The memories will still be there, along with that 2023 Stanley Cup and Conn Smythe. That's something the universe can't take from fans.

So let's celebrate the good times with the beloved "Misfit" and honor his contributions. He was essential in building the franchise into what it is today, turning it into a bona fide powerhouse. Here's to you, Jonathan Marchessault. You were a key factor into making Vegas hockey a part of the city.

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