Kirill Marchenko continues to find himself at the center of one of the NHL’s busiest rumor cycles, even as those closest to him keep pushing back against the speculation.
The Montreal Canadiens remain heavily connected to the Columbus Blue Jackets winger as they search for another top-six scoring threat, but every new report has been met with equal skepticism from Columbus’s side.
This contrast has created a divide between insider chatter and public denials, keeping the story alive throughout the summer.
Kirill Marchenko’s Agent Fires Another Shot at Canadiens Trade Buzz
Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, has once again challenged reports linking his client to the Montreal Canadiens, this time responding directly to NHL insider Marco Normandin’s latest update.
Normandin reported that discussions involving Montreal and Columbus were progressing behind the scenes, but claimed a blockbuster trade would likely require a third team to make the financial pieces work.
He also noted that the Canadiens were interested in Marchenko while hinting that another Blue Jackets forward capable of playing center could also be part of the broader conversation.
Milstein quickly fired back on X, posting, “Go back to your vacation, man, the mystery forward is doing more work than your ‘sources’ right now.”
The message was a clear jab at the report and another indication that Marchenko’s camp has little interest in validating the latest wave of speculation. Instead of addressing the rumored framework directly, Milstein mocked the report’s reliance on an unnamed player, suggesting the speculation had taken on a life of its own.
Milstein has repeatedly dismissed reports connecting Marchenko to a trade, previously calling similar rumors “a shame it’s not attached to anything real.”
Even so, the speculation refuses to disappear because Montreal remains an obvious fit on paper. General manager Kent Hughes continues searching for a proven top-six forward who can strengthen the Canadiens’ offense, and Marchenko checks every box.
With approximately $9.78 million in projected cap space and a young core already signed to team-friendly long-term contracts, Montreal has the financial flexibility to absorb Marchenko’s current $3.85 million cap hit.
The bigger challenge would come later, when negotiating a long-term extension alongside future raises for other young players.
Columbus, meanwhile, has little incentive to move one of its premier scorers unless contract negotiations completely unravel.
Although the Blue Jackets must prepare for a potentially massive extension for franchise center Adam Fantilli, they also recognize Marchenko’s importance after his breakout season.
KEEP READING: Canadiens Warned To Watch Their Back in Kirill Marchenko Sweepstakes
Until there is tangible movement between the teams, Milstein’s latest comments suggest the loudest part of the story may be the speculation itself rather than an actual trade nearing the finish line.
