Blue Jackets nears Kirill Marchenko trade, Canadiens among teams

The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly near completing a trade of Kirill Marchenko, with terms being negotiated as the player’s camp indicates he is effectively between two teams. Marchenko, 26, is a high-scoring winger who led Columbus in goals for three straight seasons and posted 67 points last year, marking him as a prime target for contenders. The Montreal Canadiens are repeatedly identified as a key suitor, though other clubs such as the New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, Florida Panthers, Edmonton Oilers, and potentially Toronto have also been mentioned as possible destinations. The move is complicated by Marchenko’s contract situation—entering the final year of a three-year deal worth about $3.85 million AAV with restricted free agent rights looming next summer. Earlier statements from Columbus GM Don Waddell suggesting Marchenko would stay have given way to reports that talks have intensified beyond mere exploration. By July 25, 2026, at least one report claims the Jackets were finalizing terms with an undisclosed destination, signaling a potential imminent move.