If the Montreal Canadiens are serious about adding another proven top-six scorer, Kirill Marchenko remains one of the more intriguing names to watch. The fit is easy to understand: he is entering his prime, has produced at a high level in consecutive seasons and carries a contract that gives the Columbus Blue Jackets significant leverage in any trade discussion.
That is why the latest comments from Columbus general manager Don Waddell matter. The Blue Jackets are not in a position where trading Marchenko for futures alone would make much sense. If Columbus moves one of its best offensive forwards, it would need a return that helps the NHL roster now.
For Montreal, that changes the question from “Would the Canadiens want Marchenko?” to something much more important: what player would Kent Hughes be willing to send back?
Why Kirill Marchenko Fits the Montreal Canadiens
Montreal has spent years building one of the deeper young talent pools in the league. At some point, though, rebuilding teams have to convert some of that depth into established NHL production. Marchenko is the type of target that makes sense because he is not a rental and he does not require the Canadiens to abandon their age curve.
He scored 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season after producing 31 goals and 74 points in 79 games the year before. In 2023-24, he had 23 goals and 42 points in 78 games.
The most encouraging part is the consistency of the last two years. Marchenko has produced 141 points in his last 155 games, which works out to roughly 0.91 points per game. That is sustained top-six production, not a one-season spike.
Kirill Marchenko: Three-Year Scoring Trend
NHLTradeRumor.com proprietary data analysis
Marchenko has averaged approximately 0.91 points per game over his last two seasons.
For the Canadiens, that type of winger would provide another legitimate finishing threat. Montreal already has players capable of creating offense; adding someone who can consistently convert chances could make the top six much harder to defend.
Can Montreal Afford Kirill Marchenko?
The cap side is one of the strongest arguments for pursuing him. Marchenko carries an approximately $3.85 million cap hit, which is excellent value for his level of production.
Using Montreal’s current projection, the Canadiens have about $9.78 million in cap space. Adding Marchenko’s full cap hit without sending salary back would leave roughly $5.93 million.
Canadiens–Marchenko Salary Cap Calculator
NHLTradeRumor.com proprietary cap analysis • 2026-27
This is where the trade becomes attractive from a roster-building standpoint. Montreal would not need Columbus to retain salary, and if a roster player went back in the deal, the Canadiens could preserve even more flexibility.
Marchenko also delivered approximately 17.4 points and 7.0 goals per $1 million of cap hit based on last season’s production. That efficiency is exactly why Columbus should be reluctant to move him cheaply.
What Would the Columbus Blue Jackets Want Back?
Waddell’s position suggests Columbus would want a hockey trade, not a futures package. That means Montreal would probably have to part with a young NHL player who can help the Blue Jackets immediately.
Names such as Arber Xhekaj or Zachary Bolduc are easy to discuss in hypothetical frameworks because both are young NHL assets, but there is no indication here that either player has actually been offered. That distinction matters. A realistic trade-value discussion is not the same as reporting an active negotiation.
To put Marchenko’s value in context, NHLTradeRumor.com scores him across production, age, contract efficiency, team control, roster fit and market scarcity.
NHLTradeRumor.com Trade Value Index
Proprietary editorial model • Kirill Marchenko
Marchenko grades as a premium trade asset because of his production, age and efficient contract.
Why Marchenko’s Trade Value Is So High
An 86/100 score puts Marchenko firmly in premium-asset territory in our model. The biggest drivers are obvious: he is producing at a top-six rate, he is still young enough to fit a team’s competitive window and his cap hit is far below what many comparable scorers cost.
The one factor that slightly reduces Columbus’ leverage is contract control. Marchenko is not locked into a long-term bargain deal, so any acquiring team has to consider his next contract as part of the trade price.
Still, the Blue Jackets have no reason to accept quantity over quality. If Montreal wants him, the offer likely has to begin with a player Columbus actually values.
Should the Canadiens Pay the Price?
I would pursue Marchenko, but I would not chase him at any cost.
If the asking price is one meaningful young NHL player plus a reasonable secondary asset, the Canadiens should have a serious conversation. Marchenko improves the lineup immediately, fits the age of Montreal’s core and does not create a major cap problem.
If Columbus wants multiple premium young players, a top prospect and significant draft capital, Hughes should walk away. Montreal’s biggest strength is that it has enough depth to wait for the right deal.
The Canadiens do not need to win the rumor cycle. They need to win the transaction.
My Take on the Latest Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumors
This is one of the more logical Montreal Canadiens trade rumors because the pieces line up on both sides.
Montreal needs more proven scoring. Marchenko provides it. The Canadiens can afford his current contract. Columbus, meanwhile, has every reason to demand immediate NHL help rather than a pile of futures.
That leaves one central question: is Kent Hughes willing to move the type of player Don Waddell would actually want?
If the answer is yes, there is a realistic framework for a deal. If not, the Canadiens are better off keeping their young core intact and waiting for another opportunity.
Either way, Waddell’s position has made the Marchenko discussion more meaningful. The message to Montreal is simple: if you want to talk seriously about Kirill Marchenko, bring Columbus a hockey trade.
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