Quebecer Jonathan Marchessault is starting his sixth campaign under the colors of the Vegas Golden Knights where the maverick has had the best moments of his career. Despite an unusual run to the National Hockey League, his name sits atop Nevada roster history.
Never drafted, the winger with the lightning wrist throw has slowly but surely made his way to the best hockey league in the world.
Following a junior career with the Quebec Remparts, the native of Cap-Rouge played more than 300 games in the American Hockey League (AHL) before establishing himself once and for all in the Bettman circuit.
A tally of 30 goals and 21 assists for the Florida Panthers will have convinced the Knights to set their sights on the Quebecer during the expansion draft at the end of the 2016-2017 season.
Since then, in five campaigns, Marchessault leads the team in terms of the number of goals, assists, points and games played.
“I am proud. Especially considering where I came from. I am proud, but not satisfied. I think you should never be satisfied. You always have to want more. I’m never going to stop wanting more until I lift the Stanley Cup,” the 31-year-old athlete hinted in an interview with JiC.
The Golden Knights missed the most recent playoffs, a first in young history, despite a more than full roster with Mark Stone, Jack Eichel and Alex Pietrangelo, to name a few.
“It was a tough year mentally. At each game, we had players on the sidelines. Our performances, I see that as a disappointment. On the other hand, we had played a lot of hockey in previous seasons. This rest will do us good and allow us to return to health. Now we can focus on the present moment, like in our first year, ”assured the hockey man.
Speaking of this famous first season worthy of a Hollywood scenario, it will remain marked forever in the memory of Marchessault.
“To date, this is my best year of hockey ever. Now, we cannot look to the past. I believe in our organization. If everyone does their job, we will be successful.”
A change behind the bench
A new era is dawning in Vegas. Head coach Bruce Cassidy will try to straighten the bar, he who succeeds Peter DeBoer.
“I think he has proven himself to be a good coach. He takes his teams to the playoffs. Our biggest difficulty for four or five years is our numerical advantage. Cassidy has always had good power play. I am confident”, always according to the words of Marchessault.
The surprise Jonathan Huberdeau
Once again, the off-season was rich in twists and turns this summer in the NHL. The highlight that caught the eye through the Bettman circuit remains the transaction that sent Quebecer Jonathan Huberdeau to other skies via a monster transaction between the Florida Panthers and the Calgary Flames.
“I was shocked when I learned of the trade. I found that weird. He’s a franchise player. He’s the kind of guy you want to build your team. Currently, Huberdeau is probably in the top three passers in the NHL. It’s a shame, but it’s part of the business. The Flames are going to be good for many years.”
The return of Patrice Bergeron
The idea of retirement likely crossed the mind of Boston Bruins point guard Patrice Bergeron. The captain finally accepted a contract for a single season and worth $ 2.5 million, he who will play a 19th season in the yellow and black uniform.
“It’s in him, he wants to win and perform. Once again, Bergeron will have a chance to win top honors. It is probably one of the best careers for a Quebecer! It’s an example. He’s the kind of guy that inspires me. It’s nice to rub shoulders with him during the summers and see how hard he works, ”concluded the Knights forward.
Watch the full interview in the main video above.