Predators Tripling-Down on UFA Signings, Landing Jonathan Marchessault & Brady Skjei

The Nashville Predators have added their second post-season legend of the day, signing Vegas Golden Knights Conn Smythe winner from 2023, Jonathan Marchessault, while also adding a major presence to their defense in Brady Skjei.

As reported earlier but now a done deal, Steven Stamkos, Jonathan Marchessault and Brady Skjei all agree to terms in Nashville.
Stamkos, 4 years x $8 M AAV
Marchessault, 5 years x $5.5 M AAV
Brady Skjei, 7 years x $7 M AAV
— Pierre LeBrun (@PierreVLeBrun) July 1, 2024

After landing Stamkos, the Predators continued their instant build to contender status by handing Marchessault a five-year deal worth $5.5 million AAV, and Skjei gets 7 years and $7 million annually to leave the Carolina Hurricanes.

Marchessault seemed poised to land with the New Jersey Devils earlier today, as a couple of insiders had suggested. But the Predators, clearly on the warpath today, would not be denied.

Marchessault followed up his Conn Smythe performance by scoring a career-high 42 goals for the Golden Knights this past season. He was an Original Misfit, being with Vegas since its inception in the NHL.

As for Skjei, he posted a career-high 47 points with a +15 rating this past season, and he joins former Norris winner Roman Josi on the Nashville blueline.

The Predators lost in the first round of the playoffs this season for the 3rd time in four years (missing the postseason the other time). They're gearing up for a deep run going forward.