Golden Knights GM responds to accusations from Jonathan Marchessault

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TJ Tucker
July 2, 2024 (8:48)

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Photo credit: NHL.com

Kelly McCrimmon, General Manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, has decided to respond after Jonathan Marchessault said the team did little to try to keep him

The Nashville Predators made possibly the biggest splash during NHL Free Agency on July 1, snagging three big names from the market in Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault, and Brady Skjei. While Marchessault is happy with his new team, he indicated in an interview that Vegas did little to try to keep him, something Vegas Golden Knights GM Kelly McCrimmon flat out denies.

After signing with the Preds, Marchessault addressed the media and told them Vegas never put a good offer on the table.

"The tough part is there wasn't really a decent offer on the table. I don't think they tried their best to keep me, but that's part of the business and they probably have other plans. That's the business we're in so you move on."

It's a surprising statement from a player who just recently won a Stanley Cup with the Golden Knights, and was awarded the Conn Smythe as the Stanley Cup Playoff MVP in the process. Asked about Marchessault's comments, McCrimmon claimed they aren't true.

"McCrimmon says 'this couldn't be further from the truth' and he 'disagrees' with it. Chalked it up to Marchessault being a fiery guy."

McCrimmon also said that Marchessault was the only member of the Golden Knights becoming a free agent that he tried to re-sign at the end of the season. McCrimmon claimed Marchessault wanted too much term.

"McCrimmon says Marchessault was the only one of their own free agents the Golden Knights spoke to following the season.

Said he thought they were on the way to finishing a deal but the day prior to the draft things changed. Said Marchessault wanted 5 years and the 'data doesn't support' giving him that contract."

Marchessault got the five years he wanted from the Nashville Predators, with an average annual value of $5.5 million.

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POLL
2 JUILLET \| 216 ANSWERS Golden Knights GM responds to accusations from Jonathan Marchessault Should GM Kelly McCrimmon have given Jonathan Marchessault the five year deal he wanted from the Golden Knights?
▢ Yes
▢ No
▢ Not sure