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

Marchessault was part of a Predators’ spending spree Monday.

Nashville also signed longtime Tampa Bay Lightning captain Steven Stamkos to a four-year, $32 million contract and pried defenseman Brady Skjei out of Carolina with a seven-year, $49 million deal.

Marchessault is already familiar with one of his new teammates. He played with Stamkos on the Lightning for parts of two seasons from 2014-16. Marchessault said he called his old captain Monday when he heard Stamkos may also sign in Nashville.

“We were like, ‘Well, congrats,’ ” Marchessault said. “And he said, ‘Well, congrats to you, too.’ It was a pretty comical situation but we’re definitely excited to go over there together.”

It will be difficult for the Knights to replace Marchessault on or off the ice.

He scored 417 points in 514 games during his seven seasons with the team. He added 75 points in 95 playoff games.

“Obviously, I think everyone knows how big a part of this team he is. What he means to the team, the city, the fanbase,” defenseman Brayden McNabb said May 7. “He’s done everything. He’s been consistent.”

Marchessault’s absence will also loom large in the Knights’ locker room.

He was a vocal leader throughout his time with the team. He constantly chirped his teammates and brought energy to every practice.

“Everybody in this organization loves having Marchy around. The guy, more of the person than the player,” defenseman Alex Pietrangelo said May 7. “I talk about coming to work and having fun every day. I think Marchy leads the way in that department.”

The Knights will have to pivot to life without Marchessault. They’re down to three Original Misfits — McNabb, center William Karlsson and defenseman Shea Theodore — after left wing William Carrier also left the organization Monday to sign a six-year deal with the Hurricanes.

“We move on and a new chapter, a new challenge for me and my family and we’re excited,” Marchessault said. “But yes, at the end of the day I’ll always look back at some of the best (times) of my life over there (in Las Vegas). I mean, I’m pretty satisfied and happy with what we accomplished as an organization and I do think I was a big part of it. But they probably thought otherwise for the future. That’s what’s disappointing.”