With Adam Fantilli Signed, What Happens With Kirill Marchenko

The Columbus Blue Jackets and Adam Fantilli agreed on a contract extension. Fantilli signed a six-year, $ 82.5 M deal. This ended a two-week holdout by Fantilli. The Blue Jackets had a summer of discontent, and with the Fantilli ordeal out of the way, Don Waddell now has to focus on another one: Kirill Marchenko.

Through his agent earlier in the summer, Marchenko announced he would not sign an extension in Columbus. This effectively put the organization in the unenviable position of putting the talented forward on the trading block.

Waddell stated he is not making calls on Marchenko, but rather letting calls come to him. He is not interested in future draft picks or prospects in any would-be deal. It is known that the Toronto Maple Leafs, Boston Bruins, and Montreal Canadiens have all called.

Don Waddell knows how tight the Eastern Conference is going to be this season, and in order to keep Columbus in the playoff picture, he needs to ensure the Blue Jackets get an impact player for Marchenko.

Waddell has stated he will go into the season with Marchenko on the roster. With Adam Fantilli signed, the Blue Jackets now know the exact long-term impact on Fantilli’s $13.75M AAV. It is possible that, with the numbers in place, they could approach Marchenko again and make a final offer.

If Kirill Marchenko is set on leaving Columbus, expect a talented young forward to be part of any return. The Blue Jackets need more scoring, and it would not make sense to add at any other position.