Jonathan Marchessault would be a significant offensive boost for the Canadiens, especially after their playoff surge. His Quebec roots and past interest in Montreal make the potential fit even more intriguing. Now with the Canadiens trending upward and possessing more young talent, a trade makes more sense than it did a year ago.
If Nashville is open to dealing him—particularly if they’re shifting direction or retooling—Montreal could offer a package centered around picks or young players, given their prospect depth.
If the Canadiens can’t land a second-line center this offseason, pivoting to a top-six winger like Jonathan Marchessault makes sense—especially one with local ties and a proven scoring track record. While his age (33) and contract (three years left at $5.5 million AAV) are valid concerns, a trade becomes more realistic if Nashville retains salary or takes back a shorter-term contract.
Marchessault’s combination of playoff experience, leadership, and offensive production could be a valuable asset to Montreal’s maturing core, particularly if they strike out on younger, pricier targets.
Jonathan Marchessault’s pedigree as a playoff performer—highlighted by his Conn Smythe win during the Golden Knights’ 2023 Stanley Cup run—makes him an especially attractive trade target for a Canadiens team on the rise. His 56-point campaign in 2024 shows he still has scoring touch, and his leadership would be a valuable addition to Montreal’s young locker room.
Given he’s in just the second year of a five-year, $27.5M deal, acquiring him would be more about short-term contention than long-term building—so the Canadiens would likely need to balance the cap hit with retained salary or an outgoing contract.
Insider: Marchessault ‘Would Love’ to be Traded to Canadiens
If Frank Seravalli’s report is accurate, and Jonathan Marchessault is indeed open to a trade to Montreal, it significantly strengthens the Canadiens’ negotiating leverage. A player expressing a desire to go home can often influence both sides—encouraging the Predators to make a deal and possibly lowering the asking price if Marchessault limits his preferred destinations.
Montreal could potentially package mid-tier prospects or draft picks—especially if Nashville retains some salary—to make a deal work without sacrificing core assets. Given Marchessault’s playoff experience and local roots, he could energize both the fan base and the locker room.
Frank Seravalli’s comments highlight just how strong the fit could be between Jonathan Marchessault and the Canadiens—not just from a roster-building standpoint but also culturally and stylistically. Marchessault’s gritty, skilled, and high-motor style does align well with what head coach Martin St. Louis tends to value. That connection, along with his playoff pedigree and Quebec roots, makes him an ideal second-line winger and power-play contributor.
If Montreal can’t land a second-line center, pivoting to Marchessault could be the kind of move that elevates their offense without derailing their long-term plan. The biggest sticking point is clearly the contract term—but if Nashville retains salary or takes a short-term contract back, it becomes a much more manageable risk.
Marchessault is Happy to be in Nashville
Jonathan Marchessault’s comments strike a balanced tone—expressing genuine affection for Montreal without closing the door on his current situation in Nashville. His acknowledgment of Montreal’s special place in his heart adds fuel to the speculation, especially given the Canadiens’ growing competitiveness and local appeal.
At the same time, his contentment in Nashville suggests he’s not pushing for a move, which likely means any trade would have to make sense for both teams financially and structurally. It also increases the likelihood that Nashville would need to retain salary or receive a favorable return to part with him.
Marchessault was an All-Star in 2022.
