Today’s NHL News is being driven by one confirmed homecoming and one trade rumor that could become the next major offseason domino. Patrick Kane is officially returning to the Chicago Blackhawks on a two-year, $16 million contract, putting one of the greatest players in franchise history beside the organization’s next generation. Meanwhile, Kirill Marchenko’s future with the Columbus Blue Jackets has suddenly become much less certain, despite general manager Don Waddell previously stating that the productive winger would remain in Columbus.
The immediate takeaway is that Kane’s return is not simply a ceremonial move. He produced 57 points in 67 games for Detroit last season and has remained an effective offensive player following hip resurfacing surgery. Marchenko, however, is coming off a 27-goal, 67-point season and is young enough to become an important long-term piece for either Columbus or a potential trade partner. In my view, Chicago is using veteran certainty to accelerate its young core, while Columbus may be approaching a difficult asset-management decision involving one of its most productive forwards.
Today’s biggest NHL News takeaway: Kane’s return has been confirmed, but the Marchenko situation remains an unconfirmed trade rumor that conflicts with Columbus’ previous public position.
Latest NHL News: Patrick Kane’s Blackhawks Return Changes Chicago’s Timeline
Kane signed a two-year contract carrying an average annual value of $8 million and a full no-move clause. The 37-year-old recorded 16 goals and 41 assists last season and has produced 163 points in 163 games over his three seasons with Detroit.
That production matters because Kane is not returning solely to retire in familiar colours. His vision, passing and ability to create controlled offensive possessions should immediately help Chicago’s power play. He can also provide Connor Bedard and the Blackhawks’ younger forwards with an experienced offensive player who understands how to manipulate defenders and create passing lanes under pressure.
Kane recently said he still believes he can “elevate my game at the most important times.” I believe Chicago is betting on exactly that. The Blackhawks do not need Kane to recreate his Hart Trophy seasons. They need him to provide approximately 60 points, improve their special teams and help younger players navigate difficult stretches of an 84-game season.
Earlier reports indicated Kane was deciding between Chicago and Buffalo. Those reports proved directionally accurate when he ultimately chose a return to the Blackhawks. That confirmation provides an important distinction between sourced reporting and the speculative trade discussion surrounding Marchenko.
| Player | 2025-26 Stats | 84-Game Point Pace | Contract Update | My Analysis |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Patrick Kane | 16 G, 41 A, 57 P in 67 GP | Approximately 71 points | 2 years, $16 million | Veteran offence and power-play support |
| Kirill Marchenko | 27 G, 40 A, 67 P in 76 GP | Approximately 74 points | One season remaining | High-value trade asset entering key contract year |
| Cole Sillinger | 8 G, 25 A, 33 P in 81 GP | Approximately 34 points | 3 years, $13.875 million | Cost-controlled two-way centre |
| Jet Greaves | 26-19-9, .908 SV%, 2.60 GAA | Not applicable | 3 years, $15 million | Columbus is betting on continued growth |
Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumors Clash With Columbus’ Public Position
The most intriguing NHL rumor today involves Marchenko. Recent reporting indicates that the Blue Jackets could be advancing toward a trade, with Montreal and Utah mentioned among the teams connected to the winger. However, there has been no official trade announcement, and the identity of the leading team remains unclear.
The report is particularly notable because Waddell previously said, “Marchenko’s going to be a Blue Jacket once the season starts.” Either Columbus’ position has changed, another team has increased its offer or the current trade chatter is moving faster than the organization anticipated.
Rumor status: Marchenko has not been traded. Reports of advanced negotiations should be treated as developing information until Columbus or another NHL team confirms a transaction.
From my perspective, Marchenko should not be moved for a collection of secondary assets. A 26-year-old winger who just produced 67 points has considerable value, especially when he remains under team control as a restricted free agent with arbitration rights after the coming season.
If Montreal is seriously involved, Columbus should be targeting either an NHL-ready centre, a premium young player or a package containing a high-level prospect and meaningful draft capital. Trading Marchenko merely to avoid a future contract negotiation would create another offensive hole for a team attempting to move closer to playoff contention.
Blue Jackets Complete Important Contract Business
While the Marchenko speculation develops, Columbus has completed important business with Cole Sillinger and Jet Greaves. Sillinger signed a three-year, $13.875 million contract carrying a $4.625 million cap hit after registering 33 points in 81 games. Greaves received a three-year, $15 million contract following a season in which he posted 26 wins, a 2.60 goals-against average and a .908 save percentage.
Those contracts also helped complete the NHL’s arbitration process before a single hearing was required. All 15 players who filed for salary arbitration reached agreements with their teams.
I like the Greaves contract more than some observers will. Columbus is paying for projected growth rather than an established elite résumé, but dependable goaltending becomes expensive quickly. If Greaves develops into a stable starter, a $5 million cap hit could become reasonable value by the second or third season.
Sillinger’s contract is more straightforward. He already has significant NHL experience at 23, contributes defensively and still has room to improve offensively. The three-year term gives Columbus cost certainty without buying too many unrestricted free-agent seasons.
Nikita Kucherov Extension Remains a Lightning Priority
Another significant NHL News storyline is Nikita Kucherov’s unresolved contract extension. Tampa Bay general manager Julien BriseBois has confirmed that the Lightning want Kucherov to remain with the franchise and that discussions have taken place with his representative.
BriseBois stated that Tampa Bay would like Kucherov to stay and that the player would also like to remain. That does not guarantee an immediate agreement, but it is much stronger than the unsupported trade speculation that occasionally surrounds elite players entering the final year of a contract.
My expectation is that Tampa Bay eventually completes an extension. Kucherov remains the engine of the Lightning offence, and replacing his creativity would be nearly impossible through free agency or a trade. The more interesting question is whether the two sides favour maximum term or a shorter agreement that limits Tampa Bay’s risk during the later stages of his career.
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