It's funny that this photo was taken over a year ago. Jonathan Marchessault and Kelly McCrimmon were happily embracing each other after a hard-fought (okay, the last game was a laugher. But still...) Stanley Cup victory, finally relishing the fruits of their labor. It seemed like everything was destined for a happy ending.
Marchessault would get a contract extension with the Vegas Golden Knights as he entered the last year of his current deal. The Golden Knights would ride out their current contention window and win another Stanley Cup. Everyone saw a solid work marriage on the surface, where everything was in perfect harmony...
...Only it didn't turn out that way. After Marchessault's interview on the Cam and Strick Podcast, the Golden Knights general manager stated the following in his own interview with Gord Stellick regarding the winger's contract demands and offerings:
"Well, there's a lot that goes into it and I guess I'll speak to it briefly. We did offer Jonathan four years. We met with his representatives the day prior to the NHL Draft and made an offer of four years that turned into a five year-offer that he then received from Nashville. That just wasn't a term we were comfortable in going to."Kelly McCrimmon
McCrimmon's latest comments show a devolving relationship between the two parties, where one side is refuting the other's claims. It's unfortunate for tenured Golden Knights fans who grew with Marchessault and the "Original Misfits," watching them take over the NHL landscape. But there's more than meets the eye with the current situation.
Things were peculiar when Jonathan Marchessault entered 2023-24 in his last contract year with the Vegas Golden Knights
It started with 2023-24 entering the fold, where Jonathan Marchessault played in the last season of his deal with the Vegas Golden Knights. The "Original Misfit" had no extension at the time, which was slightly surprising given his popularity. No worries. There's still time. He looked to prove himself to the front office, doing whatever it took to secure a long-term deal with the Golden Knights. How did he do in that contract year?
He scored 42 goals, good enough to be tied for 11th in the NHL. That included eight power play goals, where the unit had another underachieving season. It was an eyebrow-raising performance in the NHL that had fans wondering if Kelly McCrimmon would dole out a payday. Surely, that would yield a new contract where he finishes out his career in Las Vegas, right?
It never happened, for negotiations broke down between both sides. Marchessault wanted a long-term deal to retire as a Golden Knight. McCrimmon wouldn't budge, not feeling comfortable giving him a fifth year. The winger felt hurt by contract talks ending, with the team that made him not offering him a new deal.
Thus, the winger is singing about "Chattahoochee" with Alan Jackson. Now, the situation devolved into a "he said" case where both parties are explaining their parts of the departure. There are still fans saddened by the departure, blaming the failure on the general manager. But there's also a good reason why he wasn't offered a new deal.
Overall, the McCrimmon/Marchessault situation is unfortunate
Here's the truth, dear reader. Jonathan Marchessault was a special player for the Vegas Golden Knights. He went from being undrafted to becoming the franchise leader in most statistical categories and winning the Conn Smythe Trophy. It would've been the perfect ending to his career if he finished in Las Vegas.
However, there is a valid reason why Kelly McCrimmon did not give him a fifth year. The "Original Misfit" would've entered his final contract year as a 38-year-old winger, effectively serving as a vestigial part. He was also 5'9" and did not carry much size to the team. The Golden Knights pride themselves on using their bodies on the forecheck, whether it's blocking shots or finishing hits.
How would Marchessault fit into the grand scheme when his defensive skills have deteriorated? The NHL is a business and that business is winning. McCrimmon knows this and felt this would've hurt the team long-term. Therefore, there's one less "Misfit" in the house and a younger replacement is on the team with Alexander Holtz.
Of course, Marchessault is right regarding the issue of loyalty in Las Vegas. As previously mentioned, tenured players like Marc-Andre Fleury and Reilly Smith have been traded. The organization does have a history of not holding onto such players, leaving others to wonder if they'll be shown the door in the future.
Still, the drama here is this is still going on. A new season is approaching and it's time to root for the logo in front. No more rooting for past players since they're a... thing of the past. Starting with the Rookie Faceoff on September 13, 2024-25 offers the chance to see new players perform at a high level. That includes Holtz and Victor Olofsson, giving fans excitement as October 9 rolls around.