TheHockeyIndex

One of the last big names left in this offseason’s trade rumor frenzy is Kirill Marchenko. The Columbus Blue Jackets’ winger has gained a lot of recent media attention regarding his willingness to stay put. Marchenko’s upside is tremendous. The 25-year-old is coming off a career-best 67-point season, and he’s entering the final year of a deal that is worth only $3.85M AAV, which makes him a very valuable player.

The rumors began to spread because Marchenko’s camp reportedly indicated that he may no longer be interested in a long-term commitment to Columbus. This information alone has led many to blow the situation way out of proportion, with sources like RG.org stating that the trade is “imminent” and that the organization is putting the finishing touches on a deal for the player.

While I believe that he will be traded eventually, I do not find it probable that a deal will be made before the season begins. In this particular case, the player has no actual control over the situation (which is seemingly rare in today’s league). He has a pretty bare contract, with little to no leverage in the trade department, meaning that if he were to request a trade, he would have no say where, when or if he would even be traded. Furthermore, management likes Mr. Marchenko. Columbus’ GM, Don Waddell, has been very clear in the past about how he feels about the winger, describing him as “an important part of the Blue Jackets’ core moving forward,” which only makes sense, given that they currently have a young core with lots of potential.

To me, the most likely outcome will be that Columbus keeps him for the beginning of the 2026-27 season and revisits the situation at the deadline, or when he is an RFA at the end of the season. If he starts hot, his trade value could grow even more for Waddell and company, meaning a larger return at the deadline.

For now, Marchenko remains a Blue Jacket, and Waddell’s comments indicate that Columbus has no intention of moving him without a compelling reason. The next step will depend on whether Marchenko and Columbus can find common ground on a long-term extension.