The Montreal Canadiens have made it clear they are searching for another impact scorer, and Kirill Marchenko remains one of the most intriguing names connected to the organization.
Even though the Columbus Blue Jackets have publicly shut down trade speculation for the time being, that has done little to cool the conversation around Marchenko’s offseason rumors.
With several franchises expected to face difficult decisions as the season unfolds, Montreal appears content to stay patient instead of forcing a move that doesn’t make sense.
Montreal Canadiens Could Reignite Kirill Marchenko Pursuit, Says Insider
The player still firmly on Montreal’s radar is Marchenko, whose long-term future with the Blue Jackets is generating league-wide discussion despite general manager Don Waddell insisting the winger will remain with the team entering the 2026-27 season.
Speaking on The Starr & D’Amico Show, Canadiens insider Marco D’Amico suggested Montreal has not backed away from its interest. Instead, he believes the organization is positioning itself to capitalize if circumstances change around the NHL.
He noted that several general managers lost their jobs or stepped down last season, creating added pressure across the league. D’Amico expects more front-office changes if teams fail to stay competitive during the upcoming season.
“You’re going to see it, D’Amico said. “It’s going to happen this season, where there are a couple of GMs on the hot seat that, if they’re not competitive, then that’ll [cost them] their job.”
Pointing to the New Jersey Devils’ new general manager, Sunny Mehta, D’Amico explained how a change of general managers in Columbus could open the door for the Canadiens to pursue a Marchenko trade again.
A trade for Marchenko would’ve cost Montreal an established player like Juraj Slafkovsky, but a new general manager could be willing to consider futures, like Mehta accepted three picks in the Simon Nemec trade.
“You’re going to see a couple of those general managers right now that I feel are a little bit on the hot seat. One of them is definitely Don Waddell, which is why the Canadiens are zeroed in on Kirill Marchenko,” D’Amico said while discussing the Blue Jackets’ situation.
“It’s been a forever rebuild in Columbus and, you know, fans and ownership want to see dividends paid out here. So that’s something to consider.”
D’Amico pointed to several organizations whose fortunes could influence the trade market over the coming months, saying, “There’s going to be a lot of change, I find. And that’s where it will leave the Canadiens open to being able to pounce if they haven’t completed a trade between now and then.”
Montreal’s interest in Marchenko is hardly surprising.
The 25-year-old winger is entering the final season of his three-year, $11.55 million contract, carrying an affordable $3.85 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
The Blue Jackets have every reason to keep Marchenko in the fold. He has become a dangerous offensive weapon alongside Adam Fantilli, with the pair emerging as one of the team’s most productive combinations.
Still, future contract decisions, changing team priorities, and pressure around the league could eventually reopen conversations.
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For now, Montreal is playing the long game, but D’Amico’s comments suggest the Canadiens will be ready to move the moment another window opens.
