Story Summary
The Columbus Blue Jackets have resolved Adam Fantilli’s situation, signing the centre to a six-year contract with a $13.75 million AAV, and are now reportedly exploring the trade market for forward Kirill Marchenko. Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV and will remain a restricted free agent afterwards; his agent reportedly said at the draft that he would not re-sign in Columbus. General manager Don Waddell has indicated the club will not make a deal that does not benefit the Blue Jackets, with Columbus said to be seeking players who can help immediately rather than futures. Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas and Seattle have been mentioned as potential interested teams, although no specific offer or trade package has been confirmed.
Key Facts
- Columbus signed Adam Fantilli to a six-year contract with a $13.75 million AAV.
- Kirill Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV.
- When Marchenko’s current contract expires he will still be a restricted free agent, and he reportedly wants to be paid like one of the NHL’s top goal scorers.
- Marchenko’s agent reportedly told at the draft that his client was not going to re-sign in Columbus.
- GM Don Waddell has said he will not make a deal that doesn’t benefit the Blue Jackets.
- The Blue Jackets are said to be seeking roster players in any Marchenko trade rather than draft picks or long-term futures.
- Elliotte Friedman discussed the situation and said multiple teams have been circling Marchenko, naming Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas (uncertain) and Seattle among those mentioned.
- Marchenko received boos from fans on a recent Thursday night but was reported to be working hard and giving his best effort.
- The team’s clearer cap picture after the Fantilli signing was cited as a factor making a trade more feasible.
- The source draws a comparison to the Dylan Larkin situation in Detroit, suggesting Columbus would trade for players who can help immediately if it chooses to move Marchenko.
IHM Discussion
With Fantilli’s new six-year contract in place at a $13.75 million AAV, Columbus has greater clarity in its roster and cap planning. That may sharpen the focus on Kirill Marchenko’s future.
Marchenko is an intriguing trade asset: the source portrays him as a high-end scorer carrying a comparatively modest $3.85 million AAV this season. That combination of short-term affordability and a looming pay decision could appeal to clubs seeking immediate offence, while also requiring careful long-term planning.
The reported Columbus preference is clear: roster players rather than futures. The Dylan Larkin comparison is used to suggest that, if Marchenko is moved, the Blue Jackets would want players who can contribute immediately. Several clubs have been linked, but no concrete offer, timetable or completed transaction has been confirmed.
Why It Matters
A Marchenko trade would be consequential for Columbus. Keeping a proven scorer would support an immediate push for improvement, while moving him for NHL-ready help would reshape the roster without committing to a futures-led return. For an acquiring club, Marchenko’s $3.85 million AAV offers short-term value, but any deal would also bring a significant decision when he next becomes a restricted free agent.
IHM Market Outlook
The reported market for Marchenko appears broad but undefined. Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas, with uncertainty attached, and Seattle have all been mentioned. The reporting describes interest rather than formal offers.
Columbus is said to prefer roster players over draft picks or longer-term futures, which would narrow the field to clubs prepared to part with NHL-ready talent. Marchenko’s pending RFA status and the expectation of a substantial next contract remain important considerations for any potential acquiring team.
Mini Q&A
Is Kirill Marchenko for sale?
Reportedly, Columbus is working the trade front on Marchenko and that teams have been circling him, but it does not confirm a completed trade.
Why has this become more likely now?
Fantilli’s six-year contract, with a $13.75 million AAV, reportedly gave Columbus a clearer view of its cap position and its options.
What would Columbus want in return?
Reportedly, the Blue Jackets are seeking roster players who can help immediately rather than picks or long-term futures.
Which teams have been linked to Marchenko?
The source names Montreal, the Islanders, Toronto, Winnipeg, Boston, Vegas (with uncertainty) and Seattle as clubs that have shown interest, but it does not detail any formal offers.
How much is Marchenko owed and what might he seek after this season?
Marchenko is in the final year of a three-year contract with a $3.85 million AAV.
Coach Mark Comment
Columbus must decide whether Marchenko’s production is best retained or converted into immediate help elsewhere in the lineup. If the club moves him, the return needs to fit both the team’s tactical needs and the standards the coaching staff is trying to establish; replacing goals without weakening the overall group is the difficult part.
What Comes Next
Sept. 29: The 2026-27 NHL regular season begins.
IHM Final View
Marchenko is portrayed as a player who can help immediately while also presenting a major future contract decision. Columbus is reportedly unwilling to move him without a return that improves the current roster, a stance that will shape any negotiations. Interest may continue, but no offer or deal has been confirmed.