Despite ample trade rumors, Nashville Predators general manager Barry Trotz has shut down speculation surrounding veteran forward Jonathan Marchessault. Per John Glennon of the Nashville Post, Trotz stated today that there is no truth to the rumors related to Marchessault’s availability.
Trotz admitted the speculation around Marchessault reached a point where he felt compelled to call the forward’s agent, Pat Brisson, to ensure the rumors weren’t true. As Trotz was quoted, “There’s nothing happening. I didn’t know if anything was happening, so I just double-checked with him that maybe I missed something. I didn’t miss anything.”
Just last offseason, Marchessault signed a five-year, $27.5MM free agent deal with the Predators. In 78 games, the 34-year-old posted 21 goals and 56 points, marking the eighth time he has eclipsed the 20-goal plateau. However, his goal total was half of what he produced in his final season with the Vegas Golden Knights, and the Preds finished with the third-worst record in the league. Moreover, Marchessault had the second-worst plus/minus rating on the team (minus-29), behind only fellow veteran Steven Stamkos. These factors have sparked speculation that Marchessault could draw significant trade interest, but Trotz’s comments today appear to put those rumors to rest.
Elsewhere in the Central:
- Trotz also expressed confidence in the Predators’ roster, stating his belief that the team is built to compete in the near future. Per team reporter Brooks Bratten, Trotz noted, “We still have enough good players that if we go in the right direction, yes [we can win and compete].” Despite the team’s offensive struggles last season (finishing second-to-last in the league with 212 goals), the Preds do have pedigree at the top of their lineup with the likes of Marchessault, Stamkos, Filip Forsberg, as well as defensemen Brady Skjei and Roman Josi. Holding the fifth overall pick in the upcoming draft, the team is also expected to add an impact prospect to its pipeline.
- The Fourth Period’s David Pagnotta appeared on “The Sheet with Jeff Marek” and shared his belief that the St. Louis Blues have at least some level of interest in acquiring Noah Dobson from the New York Islanders. The 25-year-old defender posted 10 goals and 39 points in 71 games this past season while averaging just north of 23 minutes per night. While Dobson didn’t replicate his 70-point 2023-24 campaign—due in part to injuries—he should still command a significant return if the Islanders decide to move him.
Dobson would look good in Blue
They’re gonna run it back!!!
Who told Barry to give being a GM a try? I feel sorry for there fans, Your head coach is Andrew Brunette. Lol.
Every single thread the ghost of Wilf, jin the form of a a seal, makes a dumb comment.
Oh this message board.
*just but who cares
And somehow you are interested.
Why would the Isles trade Dobson? He probably doesn’t replicate his 70 point season but 39 is no slouch for a D and he’s more realistically a 50 point guy who eats huge minutes. Makes no sense to trade him as he just enters his prime. It’s not like they have a plethora of D prospects ready to step up
Cause he wants a 11 mil per. They can find a stop gap until Schaefer is ready.
That does seem a little much unless he can replicate that 70 point season. But he’s an extremely valuable dman and when he sees nurse’s contract one can’t blame him for trying. I’d take him over nurse all day.
Mcdavid. I dont see the blues being able to get him. We to close to the cap.
(grins) So let me get this straight. Marchessault’s goal total went down by half, he had a rotten plus-minus, he’s 34 and has four more years on his deal, and all that’s what has other teams suddenly slathering to trade for him?
Sounds like Barry made him available, got no takers & now made him unavailable.