Nashville Predators General Manager Chris MacFarland has a very talented prospect pool in his hands, but limited ways to grow it. After former GM Barry Trotz took the team down a thunderous path in 2024, signing Steven Stamkos, Brady Skjei and Jonathan Marchessault, it's been nothing but a disaster since.
If MacFarland hopes to end the suffering, it would be in his best interest to consider moving off one of these questionable pickups. Among the three, the easiest to move off from would be Jonathan Marchessault, who in the past expressed willingness to waive his trade clause. Yet, so far, nothing has been tested and he's still set to play next season.
It's time to get the ball rolling and reopen the Marchessault trade talks as these youngsters deserve more ice time.
Marchessault's never lived up to hype in Smashville and is in Predators best interest to depart from
The former Conn Smythe and Stanley Cup winner with the Vegas Golden Knights was supposed to be a top-line winger for the Predators. He scored 42 goals prior to his signing, giving fans a lot to look forward to.
In his first year with the team fell short, scoring only 21 goals. His totals would decrease further the following season, scoring only 12 goals. On top of that, he carried one of the lowest point ratings on the team since his acquisition, averaging a -23 rating over the course of his Nashville tenure.
It's safe to say that Marchessault wasn't the greatest of players for the Predators, but his presence extended beyond the lineup. His contract, a five-year, $27.5 million contract with NMC, makes things real hard for them to do anything with. It's hard for them to make space in the lineup without wasting money by scratching him.
As mentioned previously, Marchessault is the easiest to depart from among the bunch. Stamkos reclaimed his loyalty to the Predators and held off from being traded, and Skjei, well, I'm not too sure anybody would want to take on his contract to be fair. On top of that, Marchessault expressed interest in waiving his trade clause for the perfect team. So why not try and capitalize on that?
Heading into the draft, there will be an influx of youngsters knocking on the Predators doors, begging to enter. But with Marchessault on the team, it makes it quiet hard. MacFarland should really consider starting up the Marchy trade talks again if he's really serious about prioritzing the prospects.
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