Jonathan Marchessault, Golden Knights split: 'I don't think they tried their best to keep me'

LAS VEGAS — Reality set in at 9 a.m. Monday.

The Golden Knights and Jonathan Marchessault are going their separate ways.

The 33-year-old right wing, who is the Knights’ all-time leader in goals, assists, points and games played, agreed to terms on a five-year, $27.5 million contract with Nashville the first day of NHL free agency, the Predators announced.

Marchessault expressed a desire to stay with the organization that took a chance on him in the 2017 expansion draft. The one that made him a household name. The one he won the Stanley Cup with.

But the Knights and the 2023 Conn Smythe Trophy winner for playoff MVP never agreed to an extension to keep the Original Misfit in Las Vegas.

Marchessault, who scored a career-high 42 goals last season, said in an interview with TSN soon after he decided to join the Predators that it was a difficult choice to make. But he said he never got a “decent” offer from the Knights.

“I don’t think they tried their best to keep me,” Marchessault said. “But I mean, it’s part of the business. They have probably other plans. That’s the business we’re in, so you move on.”

There seemed to be optimism over the weekend that the Knights could keep Marchessault. His agent Pat Brisson spoke to general manager Kelly McCrimmon during the NHL draft at Sphere.

One likely sticking point was the length of the contract. Marchessault will be 38 years old when his deal with Nashville expires.

“A Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner, Jonathan Marchessault immediately makes our team better in all aspects of the game, and we’re thrilled to welcome him to the Predators organization,” Nashville general manager Barry Trotz said in a statement. “We’re looking forward to seeing his playoff experience benefit those around him on our roster.”

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