Columbus Blue Jackets

Trouble in Columbus? Marchenko Now Second Key Star Looking for Trade

Kirill Marchenko joins Zach Werenski as star players in Columbus who have told the organization they aren’t re-signing. Trades coming?

by
NHL Trade Talk
June 27, 2026

The Columbus Blue Jackets’ offseason just took a dramatic turn… for the second time. After learning that Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski is unlikely to re-sign with the team, a key forward on the roster is in the same situation.

According to NHL insider Kevin Weekes, Kirill Marchenko‘s camp has informed the Blue Jackets that the Russian winger is unlikely to re-sign with Columbus — a stunning development that explains why his name has come up in trade talks over the past 24 hours.

👀 This literally off the press, Marchenko’s camp tells me that as of now he’s unlikely to re sign with @BlueJacketsNHL
as of now. #HockeyX pic.twitter.com/SpqykU0uMr
— Kevin Weekes (@KevinWeekes) June 27, 2026

Earlier this week, sources close to the situation were suggesting that the Montreal Canadiens had called Columbus to inquire about a deal. They were reportedly told a “big fat no”. Talk was that Marchenko was content in Columbus and that any trade chatter was not coming from the player or the Blue Jackets, but the Canadiens just throwing darts at a dart board and Marchenko was among the players they were curious about.

Then Frank Seravalli reported that the Canadiens tabled an offer that would make the Habs look “borderline insane for putting this deal on the table.”

Now, with free agency on the horizon, his camp is sending a very different message; the pieces of this puzzle are all starting to come together.

Blue Jackets Losing Marchenko Is a Huge Blow

At 25 years old, Marchenko is under contract through the 2026-27 season before hitting restricted free agency in the summer of 2027 — meaning Columbus still holds his rights. He can’t simply walk. But a player-side signal of this nature changes everything. The way players are taking control of their own situations suggests a trade is coming.

The trade market for Marchenko figures to be fierce. He posted 141 points over the last two seasons on a team-friendly $3.85M cap hit — production that makes him one of the most coveted assets in the league. The Canadiens will certainly come back to this, and other teams will inquire now, too. The answer may change very quickly now.

Next: NHL Trade Talk Recap: Ducks, Blues, Canadiens, Blue Jackets & Canucks