Marchenko Trade From Blue Jackets Expected Soon: Report
Kirill Marchenko appears headed for a departure from the Columbus Blue Jackets. Sources indicate the team and another organization are finalizing trade terms for the 25-year-old forward. While general manager Don Waddell previously stated Marchenko would remain with the club for the upcoming season, current negotiations suggest a change in strategy is underway.
Marchenko remains a highly productive asset. During the 2025-26 campaign, he scored 27 goals and added 40 assists for a total of 67 points across 76 games. He led the Blue Jackets in goals for the third straight year and remains under contract through the 2026-27 season with an average annual value of $3.85 million. He is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after this deal concludes.
The Montreal Canadiens are among the clubs reported to have interest in the winger. They have been active in their search for a scoring forward to fill a top-six role. Any transaction likely hinges on the status of contract discussions between Marchenko and his new prospective team.
Outside of the trade rumors, Marchenko spent his offseason training in Russia. He participated in a charity exhibition game on July 25 alongside notable NHL peers including Alex Ovechkin and Artemi Panarin. Industry observers continue to monitor these developments closely as the trade market shifts.