Predators sign Marchessault, Skjei

The Nashville Predators are making a splash in free agency.

Nashville is signing forward Jonathan Marchessault to a five-year pact worth $5.5 million per season, the club announced Monday.

The Predators are also adding defenseman Brady Skjei on a seven-year pact with a $7-million cap hit.

In addition, Nashville re-upped defenseman Alexandre Carrier on a three-year deal at $3.75 million annually.

The moves come in addition to the signing of star forward Steven Stamkos.

Marchessault joins the Preds after spending six seasons with the Vegas Golden Knights. The veteran winger was vocal about wanting to return to Sin City, but the two sides were unable to come to an agreement.

"The tough part is there wasn't really a decent offer on the table," Marchessault said on TSN, according to The Athletic's Jesse Granger. "I don't think they tried their best to keep me, but that's part of the business, and they probably have other plans. That's the business we're in, so you move on."

Vegas landed Marchessault from the Florida Panthers when it entered the league, and he instantly became a core player. Marchessault leaves the Golden Knights as the organization's all-time leader in games played (514), goals (192), and points (417).

He won the Conn Smythe Trophy as playoff MVP in 2023 when Vegas won the Stanley Cup.

Marchessault racked up a career-high 42 goals this past season while averaging nearly 18 minutes per night.

Carrier posted 20 points, including 16 assists, while blocking 137 shots over 73 games with the Predators this past season. The steady blue-liner authored a favorable expected goals for percentage of 51.14, per Natural Stat Trick.