The Montreal Canadiens’ interest in Kirill Marchenko appears to be real, but Canadiens fans should not mistake continued interest for an imminent trade with the Columbus Blue Jackets.
During an appearance with Jeff Marek, Canadiens analyst Marco D’Amico explained that Montreal would be “all over it” if Columbus eventually decided to make Marchenko available. That is the key distinction in this developing NHL trade rumour: Montreal appears prepared to act, but the Blue Jackets have not publicly reopened the door.
Recent reports suggesting that Columbus was discussing trade terms created considerable excitement. However, Blue Jackets reporters Aaron Portzline and Mark Scheig subsequently indicated there was nothing new to report, while general manager Don Waddell pushed back against the idea that a Marchenko trade was being negotiated.
My read is that this remains a credible interest story rather than an active trade story. Montreal wants the player. Whether the Columbus Blue Jackets are willing to move him is another matter entirely.
Why Kirill Marchenko Remains an Ideal Trade Target for the Montreal Canadiens
Marchenko is exactly the type of forward Canadiens general manager Kent Hughes should be targeting.
The 26-year-old winger recorded 27 goals and 40 assists for 67 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season. That works out to 0.88 points per game, while his scoring pace projects to approximately 29 goals and 72 points over a full 82-game schedule. He also produced 31 goals and 74 points the previous season, demonstrating that his offensive breakthrough was not simply a short-lived hot streak.
Marchenko possesses the size, finishing ability and offensive instincts needed to play inside Montreal’s top six. He could complement Ivan Demidov on a dangerous second scoring line or give head coach Martin St. Louis another option alongside Nick Suzuki, Cole Caufield and Juraj Slafkovsky.
His contract makes him even more valuable. Marchenko carries a $3.85 million cap hit through the 2026-27 season and is scheduled to become a restricted free agent with arbitration eligibility when the deal expires. Montreal would therefore be acquiring more than a rental, although any trade would likely need to be accompanied by confidence that a long-term contract could be completed.
Kirill Marchenko Career NHL Stats
| Type | GP | G | A | P | +/- |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Season | 292 | 102 | 106 | 208 | 8 |
| Playoffs | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What Would a Canadiens–Blue Jackets Kirill Marchenko Trade Cost?
This is where the rumour becomes complicated.
Columbus has little reason to accept a futures-heavy package unless its position changes. Marchenko is an established top-line producer playing on one of the NHL’s most team-friendly offensive contracts. The Blue Jackets could reasonably demand a premium young player who can immediately enter their lineup, along with another significant asset.
One speculative Columbus proposal included David Reinbacher, Michael Hage and a 2027 first-round pick. From Montreal’s perspective, that would be an excessive price. Trading two of the organization’s most valuable prospects and a first-round selection would create unnecessary long-term risk, even for a proven scorer.
My preferred Canadiens offer would be built around one premium asset, not two, plus a first-round pick and a secondary piece. Montreal has accumulated enough organizational depth to make a meaningful offer, but Hughes should not abandon the patient roster-building strategy that has positioned the Canadiens for sustainable success.
Using my five-factor trade-value assessment; production, age, contract efficiency, team control and roster fit, I would give Marchenko an 8.7 out of 10 trade value score. The score reflects his consecutive high-end offensive seasons, affordable cap hit and fit within Montreal’s competitive window. It also explains why the Blue Jackets would demand a painful return.
The earlier claim that a trade was close has not been confirmed as accurate. As of the latest reporting, Columbus has denied that meaningful negotiations are taking place. What remains credible is that the Canadiens have maintained their interest and could quickly re-enter the picture if Waddell, or a future Blue Jackets general manager, changes direction.
For now, Canadiens fans should view Marchenko as a player Montreal is monitoring rather than one already packing his bags for Quebec.
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