Western Conference team emerges in Kirill Marchenko sweepstakes

With NHL free agency about to heat up, new reporting is shedding some light on what might happen with Columbus Blue Jackets star Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko is getting linked to a Western Conference NHL team.

“One team in the hunt for Kirill Marchenko is the Utah Mammoth,” The Fourth Period reported.

The Blue Jackets winger posted 67 points during the 2025-26 regular season. He scored 27 goals, while appearing in 76 games for Columbus. Columbus failed to qualify for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Blue Jackets are already spending a lot of time this offseason on trying to figure out what to do with defenseman Zach Werenski. Werenski, who was named the NHL’s top defenseman this past season, is reportedly not wanting to sign another deal with Columbus.

A number of teams are interested in trading for the defenseman, as a result. The list is reportedly endless, with as many as 10 NHL teams looking at Werenski. More could get in the mix, as Columbus looks to improve.

Marchenko, like Werenski, is reportedly also not signing an extension with the Blue Jackets.

“Marchenko is currently earning an average annual value of $3.85 million. (ESPN reporter Kevin) Weekes said the right winger’s representatives would seek a deal comparable to Pavel Dorofeyev’s new seven-year contract with an $11-million cap hit that he signed with the New York Rangers last Friday,” The Hockey News recently reported.

Other teams that have reportedly expressed interest in Marchenko include the Montreal Canadiens. Time will tell if the Blue Jackets winger ends up leaving the team.

Columbus posted 92 points during the 2025-26 regular season. Blue Jackets fans are likely frustrated to see their stars possibly head for the exits.