Insider Links Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal to Kirill Marchenko

Kirill Marchenko surely didn’t sound like a guy who’s keen on staying with the Columbus Blue Jackets long-term when recently speaking with the media, so buzz about his departure won’t be going away anytime soon.

---

While there hasn’t been an official trade request from Marchenko, that we know of, Sportsnet insider Nick Kypreos believes he desperately wants out, and that three Canadian teams are circling around the star winger: the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers and Montreal Canadiens.

Kypreos wrote:

“Kirill Marchenko, who desperately wants out of Columbus, should have an easier time doing so since he doesn’t have any trade protection on his contract, so it comes down to the Blue Jackets finding a deal they like. Furthermore, he’s a pending RFA with arbitration rights so a team trading for him won’t just be getting a one-year rental. Toronto, Edmonton and Montreal seem poised to try and make something work with Columbus,”

The 26-year-old Marchenko is a pending RFA about to enter the third and final year of the three-year, $11.55 million contract extension he signed with the Blue Jackets in 2024. He tallied 67 points (27 goals, 40 assists) in 76 games played last season.

Montreal has long been connected to Marchenko, so it’s no surprise to hear about their interest. Toronto and Edmonton, on the other hand, haven’t been mentioned as much, although GMs John Chayka and Stan Bowman have kept themselves flexible should the opportunity to make a big move like this arise.

There’s no deadline for Don Waddell to trade Marchenko, but if the Blue Jackets get off to a slow start to the season, then trade chatter will only pick up around not only their star winger but also Zach Werenski.

It’s not often we say this, but a lot of eyes around the hockey world will be on Columbus to begin 2026-27.

Next: Blue Jackets Receive Good News as Fantilli Talks Ongoing, But One Issue Remains