In recent days, we’ve learned that he came close to signing with the Habs, making the Sainte-Flanelle a finalist for his services.
However, there’s a big difference: his contract contained a lot of money at the end rather than at the beginning, something he didn’t like.
Jonathan Marchessault told @1025TheGame this morning the offer from Vegas was for the same amount as Nashville, but it was deferred money.
“It was not a traditional offer.”
– Alex Daugherty (@AlexDaugherty1) July 3, 2024
However, I don’t think it was a question of money in his case. There seemed to be a huge gap between him and the Knights organization. Even before the season ended, the experts agreed that he wouldn’t be back.
Had he felt more appreciated, I’m sure he would have found a way to help the team fit his contract into the payroll. This is clearly why Vegas wanted to offer him a contract that was out of the ordinary.
Another clue that the Knights weren’t even on Marchessault’s radar was when he addressed the media and named the Habs as a finalist.
We now know that the Tricolore didn’t want a 4 or 5-year contract for him. Even so, he came very close to playing in Montreal.
On the other hand, it’s a great opportunity for Marchessault, who, alongside Steven Stamkos, will be able to compete for another Stanley Cup.