Golden Knights Hit The Road To Take On A Familiar Face

The Vegas Golden Knights begin a three-game road trip tonight against Jonathan Marchessault and the Nashville Predators.

Tonight will be the first time Marchessault plays against the Golden Knights. The 34-year-old is the franchise leader in goals and points and is third in games played behind Brayden McNabb and William Karlsson. His 192 goals and 417 points mark the best period of his career. Before joining the Golden Knights, Marchessault was fighting for every second of ice time he could get and finally had his breakout campaign in his lone season with the Florida Panthers.

The Golden Knights selected him in the expansion draft and his 75 points in 77 games helped the Golden Knights clinch a playoff spot and make a run to the Stanley Cup finals. They fell short but returned to the same spot five years later where Marchessault was awarded the Conn Smythe as the Golden Knights lifted the Stanley Cup for the first time.

Related: Jonathan Marchessault wins Conn Smythe Trophy

With all the great memories the franchise and he had shared, when his contract was set to expire in the offseason, everyone was reminded that the NHL is a business and the front office needs to do what they believe is best for the team. GM Kelly McCrimmon couldn't get Marchessault to agree on a contract that he believed was best for the team so he elected to let Marchessault become a UFA and ultimately sign with the Predators.

Related: Jonathan Marchessault Signs With Predators Ending His Golden Knights Career

The split has affected Marchessault more than the Golden Knights. The Cap-Rouge, QC. native got off to a slow start and his new team got off to an even slower start. The Predators sit in 30th place in the NHL and are 17 points out from a playoff spot.

The Golden Knights on the other hand are in a three-way tie for the Presidents' Trophy and hold a four-point lead for the Pacific Division.

Tonight's game is highly anticipated but Marchessault's return to Vegas at T-Mobile Arena on Apr. 12 is what everyone is waiting for.

Make sure you bookmark THN's Vegas Golden Knights site for the latest news, exclusive interviews, breakdowns, and so much more.

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