NHL Trade Rumors: Jonathan Marchessault ‘Open to Moving On’ From Predators

In a surprising turn of events, former Stanley Cup champion and Conn Smythe winner Jonathan Marchessault appears to be 'open to moving on' from the Nashville Predators after a disappointing first year on his new 5-year, $5.5 million AAV contract with the team.

Insider Frank Seravalli of Daily Faceoff, in revealing his top trade candidates of the offseason, lists Marchessault at the No. 5 spot as most likely to be dealt this summer.

After a disastrous 28th place finish the Predators need to get younger. In a hurry. And they’d be smart to also shed one of their long-term commitments to older players, too. The belief is Marchessault is open to moving on after one year in the Music City.

Marchessault's goal production was cut in half in his first year in Nashville, finding the net just 21 times compared to a 42-goal explosion in his last year with the Vegas Golden Knights the year before.

A six-time 25-goal scorer, the 34-year-old could easily get back to that level, but perhaps it might take a fresh start in a new environment. His $5.5M cap hit is not onerous in the new rising cap era, though the term of four more seasons through his age-38 season might scare off some takers.

He has a 15-team no-trade list.

Marchessault led the Golden Knights to the Stanley Cup in 2023, winning the Conn Smythe trophy as the most valuable player in the playoffs.

The Predators this season finished a disappointing 7th place in the Central Division with just 68 points.