Report suggests Kirill Marchenko trade is nearing — Montreal in the mix

The NHL trade market has hit a standstill after a furious few weeks of activity in late June and early July, but a recent report suggests that a blockbuster could be on the horizon.

According to Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media, Kirill Marchenko is expected to be traded soon, with the Columbus Blue Jackets apparently just finalizing the terms of a deal.

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. “Kirill is essentially between two teams right now,” a source close to the player told RG.org. “The parties are now negotiating the terms of the trade.”

She went on to mention that the Montreal Canadiens remain interested and could be one of the final suitors.

“The Montreal Canadiens are among the clubs that have pursued Marchenko, having made a run at the winger earlier in the offseason, and they could factor into the current talks.”

The 26-year-old Marchenko is poised to enter the third and final year of the three-year, $11.55 million contract extension he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2024, and will be RFA eligible at season’s end. He registered 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 76 games played last season.