Kelly McCrimmon, the general manager of the Vegas Golden Knights, is known for his penchant for dramatic moves. In Vegas, expectations are always high for unexpected player and coaching changes.
From the eleventh-hour acquisition of Mark Stone during the 2019 trade deadline to the surprising blockbuster deal for Tomas Hertl at the 2024 trade deadline, McCrimmon keeps fans on their toes. Even the trade of day one misfit Reilly Smith, just 11 days after the team’s Stanley Cup parade, left Golden Knights fans stunned.
However, one move that still haunts fans is the trade of Marc Andre-Fleury to the Chicago Blackhawks in 2021. And what about the future considerations from the Carolina Hurricanes in the Max Pacioretty trade from 2022? The unpredictability of McCrimmon’s decisions keeps fans guessing.
Now, all eyes are on Jonathan Marchessault’s contract situation with the Vegas Golden Knights. The 33-year-old forward is set to become a free agent in six weeks unless a contract extension is negotiated. Marchessault has expressed his desire to stay in Vegas, stating, “I’ve done everything I can to stay here… It’s my home.”
McCrimmon echoed Marchessault’s sentiments, praising him as an original and core player who had a career year. Despite mutual interest in an extension, negotiations have hit a roadblock – money.
Marchessault, who signed a six-year, $30 million extension before the 2018-19 season, is seeking a significant increase in salary. However, with limited salary cap space, McCrimmon faces tough decisions. With key players like Anthony Mantha, Chandler Stephenson, William Carrier, and Alec Martinez also set to become unrestricted free agents, tough choices lie ahead.
One possible solution could involve trading defenseman Shea Theodore, whose $5.2 million salary cap hit could free up space to extend Marchessault and others. While McCrimmon’s moves are unpredictable, trading Theodore would be unexpected but not impossible.
Another intriguing option is trading goaltender Logan Thompson, whose contract expires soon. If McCrimmon doesn’t view Thompson as the future goalie for the Golden Knights, he could be included in a trade package with Theodore or another player to create cap space.
Ultimately, McCrimmon’s willingness to make bold moves will determine Marchessault’s future with the team. As negotiations continue, fans eagerly await to see if their beloved misfit will remain in Vegas or if McCrimmon has a surprise up his sleeve.
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