The Edmonton Oilers have spent much of the offseason searching for ways to strengthen their top six, and one name that continues to make sense is Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.
Nothing appears imminent, but Marchenko is a player Edmonton should continue circling throughout the 2026-27 season. If the Blue Jackets struggle and the two sides cannot make progress on a long-term contract, he could become one of the biggest names available ahead of the trade deadline.
David Staples of the Edmonton Journal recently discussed the possibility of Marchenko eventually landing in Edmonton, writing about the intriguing connection between the Oilers and Columbus winger. Staples also highlighted Marchenko’s relationship with Oilers forward Vasily Podkolzin, noting that the two are friends and previously played together with SKA St. Petersburg.
For now, as Staples’ headline appropriately puts it, “it’s just talk for now.” But it’s certainly a situation worth watching.
Marchenko Checks Plenty of Boxes for Oilers
Marchenko would give Edmonton something it has repeatedly searched for: a legitimate scoring winger capable of playing alongside Connor McDavid or Leon Draisaitl.
The 26-year-old is coming off another productive season, recording 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games for Columbus in 2025-26. That followed a breakout 2024-25 campaign in which he produced 31 goals and 74 points in 79 games. At 6-foot-3, Marchenko also brings size while providing the offensive skill necessary to complement Edmonton’s elite centres. He shoots right and could immediately become a fixture in the Oilers’ top six.
His contract makes him even more interesting. Marchenko carries only a $3.85 million cap hit in the final season of his three-year contract and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights following the season.
That gives Edmonton more than a pure rental if it acquires him.
Why Edmonton Could Wait Until the Deadline
The biggest obstacle is convincing Columbus to trade him.
Marchenko remains one of the Blue Jackets’ most productive forwards, meaning there is little incentive for Columbus to move him before seeing how the season develops. However, circumstances can change quickly. If Columbus falls out of playoff contention and there is uncertainty surrounding Marchenko’s next contract, Edmonton could become much more aggressive.
Waiting also gives the Oilers several months to evaluate their current group. Edmonton can see whether younger players establish themselves in the top nine and determine exactly where its biggest weakness lies before spending significant assets.
If another top-six winger remains the missing piece, Marchenko could become their primary deadline target.
Oilers Would Have to Pay a Significant Price
This wouldn’t be a bargain-bin deadline acquisition. Marchenko is entering his prime, has already produced consecutive seasons of at least 27 goals and remains under team control after this season. Columbus would understandably demand a substantial package. Edmonton would likely have to be comfortable moving a premium prospect, draft capital and potentially another young roster player depending on how competitive the market becomes.
That price could be worth paying. The Oilers are firmly operating in a championship window, and acquiring Marchenko wouldn’t simply improve them for one playoff run. Edmonton could potentially sign him long term and give McDavid and Draisaitl another high-end winger for years.
There is no guarantee Marchenko becomes available, and right now the connection remains speculation. But if Columbus struggles and his future becomes uncertain, this is one name the Oilers should continue circling.
Come trade deadline time, the Marchenko-to-Edmonton conversation could become much more than talk.
Next: A Twist in the Hellebuyck Saga: Jets Insider Says “I Think He Would” Join Edmonton
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