Edmonton Oilers

Marchenko Trade Snag Impacting Maple Leafs, Oilers, and Canadiens

There’s a not-so-small snag when it comes to a Kirill Marchenko trade, one that might take several teams out of the mix.

by
NHL Trade Talk
September 21, 2026

Kirill Marchenko is a popular player around the NHL, someone that teams are looking at as a possible trade piece. His recent comments to the media in Columbus suggest he’s thinking about his future, and it doesn’t sound like it’s with the Blue Jackets. But does that mean he’s headed to a team like the Montreal Canadiens, Edmonton Oilers, or Toronto Maple Leafs? Not necessarily.

According to NHL insider Darren Dreger, there’s a real hiccup when it comes to a possible Marchenko trade. It’s not just about the assets required to acquire the player. It’s about the cost to sign him.

Dreger said on TSN1050 about Marchenko:

“The problem with it is, whether it’s Montreal or Toronto or any team that would express interest in him, what’s that contract look like, fellas? Like, it’s bad enough that you got to give up the assets for Marchenko, and they would be significant. Like, they would tear away probably at the core of your team. One of your better younger players. Then, on top of that, you gotta come up with, what, 12M a year? Something along those lines to get that contract signed. So, tricky business for Waddell & Columbus these days.”

Dreger didn’t get into what the trade return would have to be, but a $12 million AAV price tag on Marchenko is notable. Recent deals for Cutter Gauthier ($13.5) million, among other players who have signed big deals, suggest this price across the board for goal scorers will go up. If Toronto, Edmonton, or Montreal is looking at this, where are they finding the room?

Canadiens, Maple Leafs and Oilers Don’t Have an Easy Route to Add Marchenko

The Canadiens’ highest-paid player is Noah Dobson at $9.5 million. It seems unlikely they would mess with their internal cap to bring in a $12 million Marchenko. The Maple Leafs’ highest-paid player is Auston Matthews at $13 million.5 million, with William Nylander right behind at $11.5 million. Would they be willing to slot Marchenko somewhere between them? The Oilers are giving Connor McDavid $12.5 million and Leon Draisaitl $14 million. Can they add another $12 million – plus player in their top six?

Marchenko would be a great fit for all three teams, among others. However, the cost to land him would be steep and the price to keep him even steeper.

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