The Golden Knights are rolling, and a familiar face is reaping the benefits.
Jonathan Marchessault, the player formerly known as Jonathan Audy-Marchessault back in the lockout days of 2012-13, has been through a lot.
He went undrafted out of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League (QMJHL) then bounced around on AHL deals before joining the Blue Jackets organization on an entry-level contract five years ago.
The Blue Jackets traded him to Tampa Bay, and then it was on to the Florida Panthers, where Marchessault settled into his new (and more humid) surroundings with a career year. Then came the 2017 expansion draft, and the Panthers made another in a string of curious decisions by jettisoning Marchessault and forward Reilly Smith to the Golden Knights in a straight salary dump move.
Marchessault's impact on the Golden Knights in their record-setting first year has earned him a home for the long term. The 27-year-old forward has 15 goals and 37 points in 35 games for Vegas, which sits first place in the Pacific Division in its inaugural season.
According to TSN's Bob McKenzie, Marchessault (a UFA in July) is signing a six-year extension with the Golden Knights worth in excess of $30 million.
Jonathan Marchessault and VGK closing in on contract extension for the pending UFA who is currently making $750K. When its done, its expected to be 6 years with an AAV of $5M or thereabouts. Hes earned it. Quite a story in Vegas, where great stories abound this season.
— Bob McKenzie (@TSNBobMcKenzie) January 3, 2018
Good for Marchessault and even better for the Knights, who have built a fast and skilled team where few thought they could. Marchessault is a great value for Vegas.
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