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Marchenko Staying With The Blue Jackets Means Heightened Expectations

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko scores a shootout goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

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Marchenko Staying With The Blue Jackets Means Heightened Expectations

Originally posted on The Hockey Writers | By Wesley Minke | Last updated Sep 11, 2026 10:55 AM ET

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As the Columbus Blue Jackets head into the 2026-27 season with mostly the same roster as last year, expectations for their stars to break out are even higher. The pressure is especially on Kirill Marchenko, who, after a tumultuous offseason, is still in Columbus and ready for training camp.

Many thought he would be on the move this summer, likely to the Montreal Canadiens. However, following a conversation with The Hockey Writers‘ Mark Scheig, we learned that GM Don Waddell has no plans of trading Marchenko. Now that he’s staying put, what expectations should management, the media, and the fans have for him this season?

Marchenko’s Scoring Expectations

This is one big step he must take to reach his star potential. If he cannot produce at the star level, it becomes a point of emphasis, to the point where he no longer might be worth a massive contract extension. They will be forced to make a decision whether to have to offer him an extension next summer as a restricted free agent to have him in Columbus for years to come, otherwise he could walk away, and be signed elsewhere.

He must hit at least 30 goals for this to be a successful campaign. As a preeminent goal scorer, he has to take that next step, even if he is not surrounded by the talent that other top scorers have beside them. He has a Norris Trophy-winning defenseman, Zach Werenski, and linemates who should give him every opportunity to excel offensively. His career high is 31, but entering his fifth NHL season, he should be able to surpass that mark. Realistic expectations would see him reach 40-plus goals.

ICYMI. Latest on Kirill Marchenko. In case you were wondering when he’d get in town for camp, he’s already here. But it’s a situation worth watching. #CBJ https://t.co/6sLfty9Hy9
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) September 10, 2026

Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, is pushing for a massive contract extension, but his production has to meet the value of the contract, and be the main reason for his extension. Columbus will not overpay him, especially if the production on-ice doesn’t represent his value on the books.

Valeri Nichushkin joins the Blue Jackets after playing with the top talent in the game on the Colorado Avalanche, and now brings a level of expectation and could be a huge factor in helping Marchenko reach the 40-goal mark.

He also has Adam Fantilli as his center. Fantilli also has his feet to the fire this season because of ongoing negotiations for his contract extension. This trio will be expected to be the team’s best players every time they hit the ice.

Marchenko Must Be a Better Playmaker

Marchenko also needs to help create offense for others. He had 40 assists last season, just behind his career high of 43 set in 2024-25. However, at the end of the season, his offense and his line’s production fell off completely. That can’t happen again, and he has to be the biggest reason why it doesn’t.

Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko scores a shootout goal against Philadelphia Flyers goalie Dan Vladar (Kyle Ross-Imagn Images)

Marchenko must also be a big factor on the power play, drawing players in or at least forcing someone to respect his shot to open up passing lanes, or the middle of the ice, or catch a penalty kill unit out of position. He must factor into every area of the Blue Jackets’ offense this season.

Realistically, the Blue Jackets aren’t going to ask him to do much more in his two-way game. They would obviously love to see his defensive efforts improve, but that is the reason they are pairing Nichushkin and Fantilli with him.

They are there to pick up for a defensive drop off if he is pushing offensively in the play, which is an expectation with the offensive output he could put up. However, with a coach like Rick Bowness, it is tough to imagine anyone will see playing time if they aren’t defensively responsible.

The Blue Jackets need a step up from their star forward if they want to get back to the playoffs. If he can’t step into that role they need, he could be someone that teams offer a big deal to try and nab him at the deadline to make a big push for the Stanley Cup. However, they expect a big step up this season, and a juicy contract extension to follow.

This article first appeared on The Hockey Writers and was syndicated with permission.

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