Kirill Marchenko Unlikely To Re-Sign With Blue Jackets

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Kirill Marchenko Unlikely To Re-Sign With Blue Jackets

Originally posted on Pro Hockey Rumors | By Gabriel Foley | Last updated Jun 26, 2026 11:32 PM ET

The Columbus Blue Jackets could ask a lot out of 14th-overall pick Oscar Hemming . His acquisition comes in tandem with news that top forward Kirill Marchenko is unlikely to re-sign with Columbus per NHL.com’s Kevin Weekes . The 25-year-old led all Blue Jackets forwards in scoring with 27 goals and 67 points last season, though he recorded 14 fewer picks than Norris Trophy-winner Zach Werenski. Columbus is also reconsidering their relationship with Werenski, who has popped up as a surprise name in trade rumors.

Marchenko has been one of Columbus’ brightest spots over the last three seasons. He broke into the NHL with a jarring rookie season, marked by a lofty 21 goals but just four assists through 59 games played. In the same year, Marchenko recorded 19 points in 16 AHL games. His unusual balance of more goals than assists continued through his first year in a full-time NHL role, with Marchenko reaching 23 goals and 42 points in the 2023-24 season. He fully blossomed once the scales corrected, breaking out with 31 goals and 74 points in 79 games of the 2024-25 season. Marchenko shined as a dominant, physical force while posting those numbers. He carved out a clear spot on the Blue Jackets’ top line that carried through the 2025-26 campaign.

Just this morning it was reported that prospective suitors were receiving a “firm no” in response to trade inquiries, however Weekes’ latest word suggests that gears may be shifting quickly. Marchenko could now be one of the top names on the trade market. He is still finding his true scoring after dipping down from a career-year in 2024 – but nonetheless offers clear upside as both a goal-scorer and playmaker. After racking up four 20-goal seasons, and two 40-assist seasons, Marchenko is believed to be asking for an eight-figure deal, with a cap hit in the realm of $11MM, per Weekes.

Multiple teams are already lining up for the top forward. The Montreal Canadiens and Utah Mammoth have both expressed serious interest per David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period. Any move would require an undeniably rich price, as it’d likely kick Columbus into looking towards their long-term future built around Adam Fantilli and a slew of recent draft picks. In any hypothetical return, the Blue Jackets would be needing NHL-ready talent coming back, in desperate need to continue any positive momentum as a franchise.

Such would be a disappointing development as a team thought to have a very bright future just a few years ago, but the Jackets still have yet to make the playoffs in their new post-John Tortorella era. Changes are needed, although facing such uncertainty with their top two scorers in Werenski and Marchenko is not exactly the start to the summer they would have hoped for. In what has already been a chaotic NHL off-season not even yet into July, the Blue Jackets are quickly becoming another team to watch in the weeks ahead.

Image Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn Images

Pro Hockey Rumors’ Bradley Keith contributed to this article.

This article first appeared on Pro Hockey Rumors and was syndicated with permission.

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