Jonathan Marchessault made headlines when he claimed there was no loyalty with the Vegas Golden Knights, but general manager Kelly McCrimmon had a response to those comments.
Jonathan Marchessault, who took the negotiations over on his own, wanted 4 years from Vegas, they offered three. Full episode avail on all platforms! @CamandStrick #VegasBorn pic.twitter.com/Pk4PhRUQem
— Andy Strickland (@andystrickland) September 10, 2024
The headliner from Marchessault came on the Cam and Strick Podcast when he said:
"There's definitely no loyalty but, at the same time, you're there to win. I don't mind that mindset, personally."
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Marchessault also went on to say that the team was offering him a three-year contract and nothing more despite the fact that he was asking for a four-year deal. McCrimmon cleared the air while on SiriusXM NHL Network Radio.
"Well, there's a lot that goes into it. We did offer him 4 years, which then it ended up turning into a 5 year deal from Nashville which we weren't comfortable going to."
#VegasBorn GM Kelly McCrimmon on not retaining Jonathan Marchessault, "Well there's a lot that goes into it. We did offer him 4 years, which then it ended up turning into a 5 year deal from Nashville which we weren't comfortable going to."
— SiriusXM NHL Network Radio (@SiriusXMNHL) September 12, 2024
Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman reported that the Golden Knights offered Marchessault a deferred money contract like the Carolina Hurricanes did with Seth Jarvis but Marchessault was uninterested.
The franchise leader in goals, assists, points and games played feels a little betrayed which is quite understandable but at the end of the day, the NHL is a business and McCrimmon needs to do what he thinks is best for the team that employs him. Time will tell if his decision was best for the team.
The 63-year-old has never been shy to make the bold move or let go of someone he thinks isn't the best option for the Golden Knights and it paid off when they won the Stanley Cup in 2023. Losing the Conn Smythe winner and last year's leader in goals and points will be difficult to replace but McCrimmon deserves the trust of the Golden Knights fans to do so.
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Related: Jonathan Marchessault Discussed What Went Down With The Golden Knights
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