Predators winger Jonathan Marchessault had his number retired by the QMJHL’s Québec Remparts today, becoming the ninth player in franchise history to receive the honor.
Marchessault, now 33, appeared in 254 games for the Remparts in parts of four seasons from 2007 to 2011. He’s top 10 in franchise history in games played, goals (98, t-ninth), assists (141, sixth), and points (239, eighth). He and Marc-Édouard Vlasic are the only active NHLers to have their numbers retired by the Remparts.
The honor comes just over a year after Marchessault hoisted the Conn Smythe Trophy, helping the Golden Knights to their first championship in franchise history with a league-leading 13 goals and a +17 rating in 22 playoff games. He landed a five-year, $27.5MM deal with Nashville in free agency this summer.
Elsewhere from around the league this evening:
- A strong showing early on in training camp has Brad Lambert primed to make a real run at starting the regular season as the Jets’ second-line center, writes Sportsnet’s Jacob Stoller. Lambert, 20, was a consensus top-five pick entering his draft year but fell to Winnipeg at 30th overall in 2022 after a disappointing showing. He got fully back on track in his first pro season last year, leading the AHL’s Manitoba Moose in scoring with 55 points (21 G, 34 A) in 64 games. “I think I’ve improved on my attention to detail,” he told Stoller. “Being able to play on the defensive side of the puck, being reliable and being able to react quicker. I’ve tried to evolve every aspect of my game.”
- Televised hockey is back with the first few preseason games taking place Saturday night. There’s a blowout going on in Buffalo with the Sabres’ mostly NHL roster dressed against some fringe Penguins talent, leading to some wide-open play. Buffalo’s John-Jason Peterka and Pittsburgh’s Jesse Puljujärvi have dueling hat-tricks, marking an especially important early showing for the latter. Puljujärvi, the fourth overall pick in 2016, had just four points in 22 games with Pittsburgh last season and needs a strong preseason showing to avoid landing on waivers.
It’s great to have live hockey on TV even though Victory+ is mum about an AppleTV app and nothing about a Samsung TV app. Wish they would say something, anything.
I liked what I saw out of Puljujarvi even before he potted the last two goals. After that, he HAS to get a real look in the top 6. Him fulfilling his potential is one of the few things that could move us from meh to legit.
Rakell Malkin Puljujarvi
Similarly, I really disliked what I saw from Blomqvist. Even before he got lit up, he was too deep in his crease, he was small in the net and he was chasing out of position. Didn’t like anything I saw from him, actually. Larsson was an immediate upgrade. Gotta stop any trade Jarry talk for now.
Also…speaking of meh. Rutger McGroarty was just a warm body as a player. Also, after his trade demands and his other signs of immaturity and selfishness, he was so desperate to wear a single digit number he’s #2? Not impressed. A lot of “look at me” energy to be so invisible on the ice.
Most of us get to have input on where we live and by whom we are employed, but when an athlete does, you decided to label him as immature and selfish? Where do you come up with this stuff?
Most.
Do military members get to decide where they live and work? No, but they know that when they take the job, right? Corporate workers get reassigned all the time.
He entered the DRAFT willingly, yes? He could work at any Costco or Burger King he likes. He opted INTO a system and then decided he was above it. I don’t like that. You are free to like it or not like it.
I hope that clear up your pedantry…or confusion, I guess you’d rather present it as…