Jonathan Marchessault received an emotional welcome back to T-Mobile Arena as he faced his former team, the Vegas Golden Knights, now as a member of the Nashville Predators. The fans honored Marchessault with a tribute video, celebrating his contributions to the Golden Knights during their inaugural season and beyond. Having won the Conn Smythe Trophy in 2023, he became the franchise’s all-time leader in goals and points. Despite the warm reception, Marchessault's current season has been challenging, compounded by personal loss and the pressures of relocation.

The matchup against the Golden Knights is especially poignant for Marchessault, who remains proud of the team's success. His former teammates, including coach Bruce Cassidy, expressed their respect for him, highlighting his competitive spirit and leadership qualities. As the Predators prepare for this encounter, their position differs significantly from the playoff-bound Golden Knights, placing added pressure on Marchessault to perform against his old team.