Conn Smythe Winner Butts Heads With Bruce Cassidy

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Austin Sabourin
August 11, 2023 (4:27)

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Jonathan Marchessault's remarkable journey through spring led the Vegas Golden Knights to an unforgettable Stanley Cup victory. However, in a recent candid interview, he opened up about his complex rapport with head coach Bruce Cassidy.

"The path hasn't always been lined with rainbows and sunshine between us. We've had our clashes on the bench and in the heat of the game, especially during the intense playoff battles. But ultimately, I believe he pushed me to my limits, and somehow, we found a way to collaborate effectively."

Marchessault, a cornerstone of the Golden Knights since their inception, also emphasized,

"I hold a genuine respect for him as a coach. Our shared triumphs have solidified that respect in my mind."

As he enters the final year of his substantial 6-year contract, accompanied by a significant $5M cap hit, the question remains: do the two parties share a rapport robust enough to warrant contract extension discussions?

Acknowledging this, Marchessault conceded, "No formal negotiations have taken place thus far. The Golden Knights tend to approach these matters patiently. Let's wait and see how it all unfolds."

Irrespective of the challenges, it's undeniable that Marchessault and the Golden Knights reached their pot of gold. The seasoned forward led the league with a phenomenal 13 playoff goals and an impressive plus-17 rating (also topping the NHL charts), earning him both the Conn Smythe Trophy and the coveted Stanley Cup.

Source Nhltraderumours