Today’s NHL News is being driven by a trade report that quickly became one of the most debated stories of the summer. Kirill Marchenko was reportedly close to being traded by the Columbus Blue Jackets, with the Montreal Canadiens identified as a possible destination. Within hours, however, several reporters covering Columbus pushed back against the suggestion that a deal was imminent.
That makes the Marchenko situation an important example of how quickly an NHL rumor can evolve. There is legitimate history between Montreal and Columbus, as the Canadiens reportedly pursued the scoring winger earlier in the summer. But as of Monday, July 27, there is no confirmed trade, no indication that Columbus has accepted an offer and no evidence that Marchenko is negotiating a contract with Montreal.
Elsewhere, Patrick Kane has explained why he returned to the Chicago Blackhawks, while the Blue Jackets have completed two significant contracts involving Cole Sillinger and Jet Greaves. Several major offseason questions involving Dylan Larkin, Connor Hellebuyck, Cutter Gauthier, Cale Makar, Quinn Hughes and Nikita Kucherov also remain unresolved.
Latest NHL News and Trade Rumors for July 27, 2026
A report originating from RG Media claimed that a source close to Marchenko expected the 26-year-old winger to be traded soon and that Columbus was finalizing terms with another NHL team. Montreal was connected to the situation because the Canadiens previously made a strong attempt to acquire Marchenko and remain interested in adding a top-six scorer.
The update created immediate excitement among Canadiens fans, but the story has since met considerable resistance. Blue Jackets beat reporters Aaron Portzline, Mark Scheig and Brian Hedger indicated that there was nothing new happening. General manager Don Waddell reportedly said it had been weeks since he discussed Marchenko with another general manager, while agent Dan Milstein denied a separate claim that he was negotiating an extension with Montreal.
My read: Montreal’s interest is believable, but the claim that a trade is nearly finished has not been independently confirmed. Columbus is attempting to become a playoff team, and Marchenko is one of its most valuable offensive players. Waddell would likely want an established young NHL player rather than a package built primarily around draft picks and prospects.
This also provides an update on an earlier report: the suggestion that Marchenko was about to be traded has not proved accurate as of this writing. That could change later in the offseason, but readers should treat proposed Canadiens trade packages as speculation rather than completed negotiations.
Patrick Kane’s Blackhawks Return Is About More Than Nostalgia
Patrick Kane’s return to Chicago is official. The 37-year-old signed a two-year, $16 million contract carrying an average annual value of $8 million, rejoining the organization with which he won three Stanley Cups.
Kane made it clear that he did not return simply to conclude his career in a familiar jersey. He wants to help Chicago’s young core reach the playoffs and is particularly intrigued by the opportunity to play with Connor Bedard. Kane said he expects Bedard’s creativity to produce passes and offensive opportunities that he has rarely encountered during his 19 NHL seasons.
From my perspective, Kane’s greatest value may not be measured solely through goals and assists. Bedard, Frank Nazar and Chicago’s other developing forwards will be able to study how one of the most intelligent offensive players of his generation reads pressure, changes shooting angles and creates space with the puck.
The $8 million cap hit is substantial for a player approaching the final stage of his career, but Chicago has purchased more than production. The Blackhawks have added leadership, credibility and a proven playmaker who could help Bedard take another offensive step.
Blue Jackets Lock Up Cole Sillinger and Jet Greaves
While the Marchenko rumor dominates the conversation, Columbus has quietly completed important business elsewhere. Cole Sillinger signed a three-year, $13.875 million contract with a $4.625 million AAV after recording 33 points in 81 games last season. Goaltender Jet Greaves also signed for three years, receiving $15 million with a $5 million AAV after producing 26 wins and a .908 save percentage in 55 appearances. Both players avoided salary arbitration.
Combined, Columbus has committed $28.875 million over three seasons and $9.625 million in annual cap space to Sillinger and Greaves. That is a meaningful investment in two players who are 25 or younger and should remain part of the team’s competitive window.
Greaves’ contract is particularly revealing. Columbus is paying him like a legitimate starting goaltender rather than a temporary option. Sillinger’s deal carries less risk and could become excellent value if his offensive production catches up with his dependable two-way game.
Major NHL Offseason Questions Remain Unanswered
Dylan Larkin’s trade request remains one of the NHL’s biggest unresolved stories, particularly after Steve Yzerman stepped down as Detroit’s general manager. Connor Hellebuyck has not formally requested a trade, but Winnipeg has reportedly listened to offers, and Buffalo continues to be discussed as a possible destination.
Anaheim must also determine how to handle Cutter Gauthier’s next contract following the massive deal given to Leo Carlsson. Meanwhile, Makar, Hughes and Kucherov are eligible to negotiate extensions that could reset the NHL’s salary structure. Daily Faceoff identified those situations, along with possible offer sheets, as the major unfinished business remaining before training camps open.
My expectation is that at least one major storyline will carry into September. Teams have limited cap flexibility, and clubs holding star players have little motivation to accept discounted trade returns simply to complete a deal before training camp.
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The post NHL News Today: Marchenko Trade Report Challenged as Patrick Kane Eyes Bedard Partnership appeared first on NHL Trade Rumors.
