Nashville, TN - As the Nashville Predators struggle through the 2025-26 season, speculation is mounting around the future of veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault with the team. Acquired as a free agent in the summer of 2024 on a five-year, $27.5 million contract, Marchessault's tenure in Nashville may be shorter than anticipated.
The Predators' disappointing performance this season, sitting at the bottom of the league standings with a 7-12-4 record, has triggered discussions about a potential roster shakeup. Reports suggest that General Manager Barry Trotz is willing to listen to offers for veteran players, including Marchessault and Steven Stamkos, who were both brought in with high expectations.
Marchessault, now 35 years old, hasn't quite lived up to the offensive production the Predators had hoped for. This season, in 27 games played, he has recorded seven goals, three assists, and ten points, accompanied by a concerning minus-18 rating. While he is only in the second year of his 5-year contract with a $5.5 million cap hit, his declining pace raises questions about his long-term fit with the team.
Several teams have emerged as potential destinations for Marchessault. The Toronto Maple Leafs and Montreal Canadiens are among the frontrunners. For Toronto, acquiring Marchessault could be a move to ease the offensive burden on Auston Matthews, although some question whether adding another aging player is the right solution for the struggling Leafs. The focus for Nashville in this scenario would likely be shedding the remaining three years of Marchessault's contract rather than receiving a significant return in assets.
Montreal presents an intriguing option, as Marchessault is a Quebec native, and a move to the Canadiens would be a popular one with the fanbase. He could bring experience and leadership to Montreal's young roster. To make the finances work, a player like Patrik Laine, with his $8.7 million cap hit, might need to be part of the deal.
Other teams reportedly interested include the Washington Capitals, New Jersey Devils, and Tampa Bay Lightning, all of whom are contenders seeking to add playoff experience to their rosters.
Any trade involving Marchessault would be complicated by his full no-movement clause, meaning he has the power to approve or reject any potential deal. If Marchessault expresses a desire to play in a specific location, such as his home province of Quebec, Nashville's leverage in trade negotiations would diminish.
As the NHL trade deadline approaches on March 6, 2026, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining Marchessault's future. Whether he remains in Nashville or moves to a new team, the speculation surrounding his situation highlights the Predators' struggles and their potential need for a significant roster overhaul.
