The 30-goal season of a year ago was not a blip. Marchessault, with 15 goals and 22 assists, is the top scorer with the Western Conference leading Golden Knights as the midpoint of the season approaches. He's added to his game and has proven to be a playmaker as well as a shooter. He's also buffed up his defensive presence and along with linemates Reilly Smith and William Karlsson has not been sheltered by head coach Gerard Gallant.
Certainly, Gallant likes to put his top scoring line on the ice in offensive zone situations but he won't shy away from sending them over the boards for a D-zone draw. Gallant wants his players to excel at both ends of ice and Marchessault has worked to gain that trust. Undrafted after a brilliant junior career, Marchessault bounced around from organization to organization looking for an opportunity. Finally, he's found his NHL home.
"It was never easy. Everything was always hard for me," he said. "I played four years in the AHL and that's hard on you mentally. I'm happy for the path that I took and I'm happy just to be here."
Marchessault earned fulltime work in the NHL last season under then Florida Panthers coach Gallant and exploded for 30 goals and 21 assists.
His previous best season in the NHL saw him collect seven goals and 11 assists in 45 games with the 2015-16 Tampa Bay Lightning.
When injuries hit the Panthers hard coming out of camp last season, Gallant promoted Marchessault to the front of the bus and the Cap-Rouge, Que., native grabbed the wheel and stomped on the gas.
This season it has been more of the same in terms of production and GM George McPhee sees a bright future for not only Marchessault but also the players he's currently working alongside.
"Marchie is a very competitive, productive player. He's hard working and he fits our identity," said McPhee. "He's earned the contract. Scored 30 goals last year, will probably do so again this year. And we like the line. We think the line can stay together and be productive for a long time."
Marchessault is a proud player but also one who is constantly looking for ways to better himself and his team.
"I'm never satisfied with what I've done in the past," he said. "Every night I have one goal - and that's to help my teammates win a hockey game."
