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Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumour: Where Would He Fit Best?

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Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumour: Where Would He Fit Best?

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | By Vivek Kalia | Last updated Sep 24, 2026 4:23 PM ET

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Kirill Marchenko’s future in Columbus is becoming one of the NHL’s most interesting trade stories. In his latest Sportsnet trade board, Nick Kypreos wrote that Marchenko “desperately wants out” and identified the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens and Edmonton Oilers as teams poised to try to make a deal. Marchenko has no trade protection, so Columbus can consider whichever offer it likes.

That does not make a trade inevitable. Marchenko reported to Blue Jackets camp and, when asked about his future, said he was focused on hockey while general manager Don Waddell and his agent handle the business side. He has one season left on his contract and is due to become a restricted free agent next summer.

The interest is easy to understand. Marchenko, 26, scored 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season after posting career highs of 31 goals and 74 points in 2024-25. He is an established scorer entering his prime, which means Columbus should expect a substantial return even with uncertainty around his next contract.

Marchenko Fits Edmonton’s Search

Oilers general manager Stan Bowman has discussed the value of finding a forward with the right combination of attributes, including a right shot. Marchenko would bring that along with a scoring record few available wingers can match. He followed a 31-goal, 74-point season in 2024-25 with another 27 goals last year.

The appeal goes beyond placing another scorer beside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl. Marchenko could give Edmonton more ways to build its top two lines. If the Oilers spread their stars across separate units, he offers a finishing option for either centre. If they load up one line, he gives the other a winger capable of creating offence.

Acquiring him would still be expensive. Columbus has no reason to give away a productive player entering his prime, and Edmonton would need to plan for Marchenko’s next contract. The Oilers would have to decide how much of their future they are willing to spend on a player who addresses a present need. That is a difficult decision, but it is precisely the type a team with championship ambitions should explore.

Montreal’s Bigger Need Is at Centre

Marchenko would improve the Canadiens, but he does not solve the question at the centre of their roster. Montreal has been looking for a second-line centre to support Nick Suzuki. In the same trade board, Kypreos reported that the Canadiens have asked about Mark Scheifele after reportedly missing out on Dylan Larkin.

A Marchenko trade would give Montreal another dangerous winger, yet it could also consume assets needed to land that centre. Unless the Canadiens have a separate plan for the middle of the ice, their priorities point elsewhere.

Toronto May Need to See Where It Stands

The Maple Leafs also have a plausible place for Marchenko in their top six. The question is timing. Toronto finished last in the Atlantic Division and missed the 2026 playoffs, prompting major changes ahead of this season.

If the Leafs rebound, pursuing Marchenko could make sense. If they struggle again, paying a substantial trade price before they know how competitive this group can be becomes harder to justify.

There is no guarantee Columbus moves Marchenko; he reported to camp and has said he is focused on playing while his agent and the Blue Jackets handle his future. But if trade talks turn serious, Edmonton should be aggressive. Montreal’s pressing need is a centre, and Toronto has a season to assess. The Oilers know what they need, and Marchenko fits it.

This article first appeared on NHL Trade Talk and was syndicated with permission.

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