Marchessault would’ve said yes to the Nordiques (even though he said no to the Canadiens)

In recent weeks, Jonathan Marchessault decided to say yes to a five-year offer from the Nashville Predators. The Québécois also had the option of signing with the Habs, but did not.

You knew that.

The pressure of the Montreal market worked against the Habs, as did the value of the offer. And when you decide to sign Steven Stamkos somewhere, it’s a good idea…

But did you know that the Québécois would have liked to play in… Québec?

The former Remparts player (whose number will be retired by his junior club in the next few weeks) is still attached to the city. He has a beautiful home there.

This summer, he told his wife that it would be nice to have a club in Quebec City and that he could see himself playing there. He opened the door to doing so in five years (at the end of his contract, that is) if the Nordiques ever return.

He said no to the Canadiens, but he would have said yes to the Quebec Nordiques.

Jonathan Marchessault’s pride was stung by the Vegas Golden Knights’ decision. My hat’s off to him for talking about it so frankly. He’s likely to make a splash in Nashville

– Eric Leblanc (@eleblancRDS)

How are Habs fans taking it?

It’s also worth mentioning that Marchessault seems to really resent the Golden Knights for the way the whole thing ended. He got no word from his bosses and the club just moved on.

So he’s realized that you always have to prove yourself, and he intends to show the folks in Vegas that they made a mistake. He really talks like a guy who’s hurting after losing his place in a market he loved.

It’s interesting to listen to him talk, as he doesn’t systematically pull out the sacrosanct tape when it’s time to talk.

Overtime

– What led to the Blues’ hostile offer sheets?[NYT]

– Looking back, it was something.

Jeff Gorton deserves an Oscar for how non-chalant he acted talking about Ivan Demidov a day before the NHL Draft. pic.twitter.com/oYKbNUQ1q

– /r/Habs (@HabsOnReddit) August 15, 2024

– Is Pavel Datsyuk for war in Russia?

According to reports, in February 2024, Pavel Datsyuk attended an event to honour members of the Russian Armed Forces who participated in Russia’s war against Ukraine. He should not be inducted into the @HockeyHallFame or allowed entry into #Canada. 1/2

– Ukrainian Canadian Congress (@ukrcancongress) August 14, 2024