The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Kirill Marchenko for some time, but the race to acquire the Columbus Blue Jackets forward could be getting more competitive.
Marchenko has emerged as a potential trade target after reports suggested he may not sign a contract extension with Columbus. While Montreal remains strongly interested, the Canadiens may have to beat out at least two other teams to land the talented forward.
Canadiens’ Marchenko Pursuit Gets Tougher
Marchenko is entering the final year of his three-year contract, which carries an annual average value of $3.85 million. He will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after the 2026-27 season.
The 26-year-old has also continued to build his value. After recording 31 goals and 74 points in 2024-25, Marchenko followed that up with 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season.
That production has made him one of the more attractive potential trade targets on the market.
Canadiens insider Marco D’Amico said Montreal would remain highly interested if Marchenko is made available. “Belief is Montreal will remain incredibly interested in Marchenko if he was indeed to be traded,” D’Amico said.
Hockey agent David Ettedgui also provided an update on the situation and revealed that the Canadiens are not alone in their pursuit.
“Marchenko file, the latest info I have: 3 teams are currently in the mix, but Montreal and Utah are clearly at the top of the list. File to follow closely!” Ettedgui said.
Utah could present a serious challenge to Montreal.
The franchise has plenty of salary-cap flexibility, valuable draft picks, and young players who could interest Columbus. Utah is also looking to add prime-age talent as it attempts to accelerate its rise into Western Conference playoff contention.
The identity of the third team remains unknown, but it could be another contender looking to add an established scorer.
The competition has also caught the attention of Canadiens fans. “If this materializes and he becomes a Hab, I don’t think Habs fans are fully ready for what this guy can bring. He’s a superstar on almost any other team than Columbus. If you put him with Demidov, it’s OVER,” one fan wrote on X.
What Would a Kirill Marchenko Trade Cost Montreal?
The biggest question is what Columbus would want in return.
The Blue Jackets are likely to seek an established young player and/or NHL-ready talent who can immediately contribute to the roster.
That could make the negotiations complicated for Montreal.
The Canadiens have a strong group of young prospects, but they also have several players the organization is unlikely to move. Top prospects such as defenseman David Reinbacher and forward Michael Hage are expected to be considered untouchable in any potential trade talks.
There is also plenty of intrigue surrounding Montreal’s Russian prospects.
If the Canadiens can acquire Marchenko without giving up Alexander Zharovsky, they could potentially create an exciting Russian connection with Ivan Demidov, Montreal’s 2024 first-round pick.
Marchenko and Demidov could give Montreal an exciting young offensive duo, but Kent Hughes must decide how much he is willing to pay without weakening the Canadiens’ prospect pool.
With three teams reportedly in the mix, Montreal may be a frontrunner, but it is far from the only serious contender.
