There’s a bit of smoke building in Nashville, and it’s centered around veteran winger Jonathan Marchessault. According to reports, both the Predators and Marchessault are open to exploring trade possibilities - a development that could shake up the market as we inch closer to the deadline.
Now, Marchessault isn’t just any name floating around the rumor mill. He’s a proven top-six forward with a Stanley Cup pedigree and a knack for showing up in big moments.
But this season has been a bit of a grind. The 35-year-old is in the second year of a five-year deal that carries a $5.5 million cap hit, and injuries have limited his impact.
Through 38 games, he’s posted 10 goals and seven assists - not exactly eye-popping numbers, but the context matters. When healthy, he’s still capable of driving offense, and last season he put up 21 goals and 35 assists, finishing second in team scoring.
That kind of production doesn’t just disappear overnight.
The contract itself isn’t a major roadblock. In a rising cap environment, $5.5 million for a top-six winger with Marchessault’s resume is manageable.
The bigger question for potential suitors is longevity - how much longer can he keep logging significant minutes in a scoring role? That’s the kind of calculus front offices are running right now.
And there’s another wrinkle: Marchessault holds a full no-move clause, giving him the final say on any potential destination. One factor reportedly high on his list?
A strong youth hockey scene - a priority for his family and his children’s development in the game.
So while there’s interest, and perhaps even mutual motivation, this isn’t a simple plug-and-play trade scenario. It’ll take the right fit, both on and off the ice.
Around the Predators:
Elsewhere in Smashville, winger Michael McCarron was handed a fine of just over $2,300 for a slash on Capitals defenseman Trevor van Riemsdyk during Thursday night’s game. That’s the maximum allowable under the CBA - either $5,000 or half a day’s salary, whichever is less.
In McCarron’s case, it’s the latter. The money goes to the Players’ Emergency Assistance Fund, a standard destination for these types of fines.
And in the front office, a bit of a curveball. When longtime GM Barry Trotz announced his plans to retire, the Predators brought in CAA Executive Search to help identify his successor.
But that partnership has now come to an end. Following concerns raised by the NHLPA over potential conflicts of interest - CAA Hockey represents more than 150 active NHL players - the agency has withdrawn from the search.
The NHLPA’s rules are clear: agencies can’t represent players and assist in executive searches, even if those departments are technically separate. So for now, Trotz stays in the GM chair, expected to guide the team through the trade deadline and beyond, while the Preds pivot to conducting the search internally.
It’s a transitional moment for Nashville - both on the ice and in the front office. Whether it’s a potential Marchessault move, front office reshuffling, or roster tweaks ahead of the deadline, this is a team to keep an eye on in the coming weeks.