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Jonathan Marchessault linked to Canadiens as insider floats intriguing trade scenario
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On Friday, a theory began circulating: Chris Johnston and Pierre LeBrun linked players to teams.
In that context, Jonathan Marchessault was linked to the Montreal Canadiens, even though he is not a center.
At 34 years old, Marchessault is still under contract at $5.5 million per season with the Nashville Predators. This season, he has played 27 games, recording seven goals, three assists, and 10 points, with a minus-18 rating.
He no longer has the same pace as in his best years, but his name never stays out of the picture for long when Montreal is looking for offensive punch.
In the summer of 2024, the Canadiens reportedly made him a concrete offer before he chose Nashville. That continues to fuel the "what if?" among many fans, especially when a Quebec-born player of his caliber becomes part of trade discussions.
Jonathan Marchessault to the Canadiens? The name comes up again-and Patrik Laine's as well.
The crux of the matter is the salary cap. In this theory, to bring in Marchessault, cap space would need to be freed up, and Laine becomes the most obvious candidate on paper, simply because of the size of his contract.
"This is a move that would certainly sit well with Marchessault, which is important given the fact he's got that NMC in his contract. The former Conn Smythe Trophy winner would bring some experience to the NHL's youngest roster and should be able to add offensive pop to the Habs' top-six forward group.
Facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine's $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go.
The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase." - Chris Johnston
Facilitating a trade for Marchessault would necessitate some money going out the door, with Patrik Laine's $8.7 million cap hit the most obvious candidate to go.
The Quebec native would be a popular addition for the fanbase." - Chris Johnston
Laine carries an $8.7 million cap hit and could become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2025-26 season. The timing is not ideal either. Laine has played only five games this season, recording one point, and underwent surgery on October 25, 2025, for a hernia, with an expected absence of three to four months.
In this context, it's easy to imagine his name surfacing in rumors, even if that doesn't necessarily mean the Canadiens truly want to turn the page on him.
If Nashville is willing to listen on Marchessault, it won't come cheap. The price, the contracts, and the fit in the lineup will decide.
Kent Hughes may not be done shopping, but the next "big" transaction will have to fit on all fronts.
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13 HOURS AGO | 337 ANSWERS Jonathan Marchessault linked to Canadiens as insider floats intriguing trade scenario Who would you keep: Jonathan Marchessault or Patrik Laine? | ||