Nashville Predators In Advanced Trade Talks
It hasn't taken very long for Chris MacFarland to make an impact in Nashville, as the new Preds' exec has retooled his roster significantly already this summer. And, it sounds like there's still a big move up MacFarland's sleeve.
According to multiple reports, the Predators are open to moving veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault, and have made it know across the league that he's available in talks. The sticking point is Marchessault's no-movement clause, as apparently he's open to a change of scenery, but only a destination that's going to be a good landing spot for his family, and give him a chance to win another Stanley Cup.
Marchessault, 35, has three seasons left on his contract at $5.5 million AAV. Last season in Nashville, the speedy winger appeared in 62 games, scoring 12 goals and adding 19 assists for 31 points. He averaged 16:42 of ice-time per game and was a big part of the Preds' power play.
Marchessault has been linked to the Montreal Canadiens, Chicago Blackhawks, Philadelphia Flyers, and Seattle Kraken. It will be interesting to see if he wants to finish out his career in Nashville, or if he decides if he's not wanted by MacFarland to be a part of the team's core, that he'll cave to moving on.
Yahoo sports reports there's certainly something going on in Nashville:
Alex Daugherty of The Tennessean observed that the Predators have 26 active roster players under contract for 2026-27. He believes MacFarland could have more trades up his sleeve. One of them could involve finding a new home for Jonathan Marchessault. The 35-year-old right winger has struggled since joining the Predators as a free agent two years ago. He has a full no-movement clause but could be open to waiving it for a change of scenery. Despite his age, Marchessault could regain his scoring touch with another club. However, Daugherty noted his contract would be an issue. He's signed through 2029-30 with an average annual value of $5.5 million.
Do you think Marchessault gets moved? Let us know in the comments.