Latest Update on the Sudden Marchenko Trade Rumors

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Latest Update on the Sudden Marchenko Trade Rumors

Originally posted on NHL Trade Talk | Last updated Jul 26, 2026 1:00 PM ET

Saturday saw a surge in trade speculation surrounding Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets. A report out of Russia suggested two teams were close to a deal, with the Montreal Canadiens being one of them. 24 hours later, things have calmed on that front.

According to Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media, Kirill Marchenko was expected to be traded soon. Tuboltseva wrote:

“Kirill Marchenko is expected to be traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets in the near future, according to a source close to the Russian forward, even as talks appear to be picking back up after a summer of mixed signals. RG.org has learned that the Blue Jackets and another team are finalizing the terms of a trade, and Marchenko’s camp knows the talks are ongoing.”

It was said that things were so far along that the teams were negotiating the terms of a trade. That doesn’t sound accurate, if a new report by Aaron Portzline is to be believed.

Portzline writes, “Told there’s nothing happening with #CBJ on the Kirill Marchenko front, despite rumors out of Russia to the contrary. Not saying it can’t change later this summer. But my understanding is #CBJ have not had calls on Marchenko since earlier this summer.”

Marco D’Amico of RG.org is also distancing himself from the report a little. He wrote on Sunday, “Just to avoid more mentions and DMs RE: Marchenko. The report at RG is not mine, I was just mentioned in it. All I can confirm is that the Habs remain very interested, should things pick up. Whether or not that materializes, and when, is not something I can speak on.”

So, there appears to be some backpedaling going on here. Reports were that this trade was essentially done. Now several sources are saying that it isn’t, or that no real trade conversations have taken place. No one is denying that the Canadiens would be interested, but denials are surfacing that a trade offer has been tabled.

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

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