The Montreal Canadiens have been linked to Kirill Marchenko for what appears to be just about the entirety of the offseason, especially after reports surfaced that the Columbus Blue Jackets winger was hesitant to sign a long-term extension.
However, the latest update suggests Montreal fans should not expect a deal anytime soon.
Canadiens Face Setback in Chase for Kirill Marchenko
It’s easy to understand why general manager Kent Hughes would be interested in adding Marchenko.
The 26-year-old winger is coming off another productive season after recording 27 goals and 67 points, numbers that would immediately strengthen Montreal’s top six. His age also perfectly aligns with the Canadiens’ young core, which includes Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield, Juraj Slafkovsky, Lane Hutson, and Kirby Dach.
Marchenko’s powerful shot and ability to produce on the power play would add another dimension to an offense that is still searching for greater consistency.
For those reasons, rumors linking the Canadiens to Marchenko gained momentum quickly.
Despite the growing speculation, though, The Athletic’s Blue Jackets insider Aaron Portzline recently downplayed the possibility of a trade. “I don’t think they’re gonna do anything right now,” Portzline said. “I think the expectation is that he’ll be here this season.”
That position makes plenty of sense from Columbus’s perspective.
GM Don Waddell has made it clear that his goal is to turn the Blue Jackets into a consistent playoff contender rather than get stuck in the quicksand of rebuilding. Trading the team’s leading scorer would send the organization in the opposite direction.
The Blue Jackets also have another important factor working in their favor: time.
Marchenko is entering the final season of a contract that carries a cap hit of just $3.85 million, and he will remain a restricted free agent afterward. That gives Columbus significant leverage and allows the organization to remain patient while continuing contract negotiations.
In other words, the Blue Jackets are under no pressure to force a trade.
Even if the team eventually decides to entertain offers later in the season, the asking price is expected to be enormous. A proven top-line scorer entering his prime would likely command a package of premium prospects, draft picks, and established NHL talent.
Montreal has the assets necessary to make an offer, but the question is whether Kent Hughes would be willing to sacrifice a significant portion of the club’s future.
For the time being, all signs point toward Marchenko remaining in Columbus.
The Canadiens may still be monitoring the situation closely, but unless something changes dramatically in the coming months, they will likely have to explore other avenues to strengthen their offense before the start of the season.
