Kirill Marchenko has been a trade candidate for teams since NHL Draft week, following reports of Marchenko unwilling to sign a contract extension with the Columbus Blue Jackets. Marchenko is becoming a restricted free agent in 2027.
Marchenko fueled the fire with non-committal answers at training camp. When asked if he wants to play in Columbus, he repeatedly dodged the question, simply stating he “wants to play hockey.”
He is in his final season of a three-year contract worth an average annual salary of $3.85 million, and considering how great he has been for the Blue Jackets, this probably means he wants more money. Don Waddell said that Marchenko would start the season with Columbus, but that has not stopped the trade rumors. Coming off a career-high 27-goal, 67-point season on a bargain $3.85 million cap hit, Marchenko has emerged as a prime trade target for teams that are looking for some help.
With the future of the Blue Jackets winger shrouded in uncertainty, here are some of the best potential trade destinations for Marchenko if the Blue Jackets decide to move on earlier than anticipated.
Potential Trade Destinations for Kirill Marchenko
3. Ottawa Senators
The Ottawa Senators traded away Brady Tkachuk to the Florida Panthers in June. Then soon after, the Senators acquired William Eklund from the San Jose Sharks, and Andre Burakovsky from the Chicago Blackhawks.
The Senators were still looking to do big offseason moves. Their main target was a pure sniper.
Marchenko could be someone that the Senators could consider, as he would be a perfect candidate to fit the sniper role. The Senators have cap space for Marchenko, but a trade like that would mean that they would have to give up a talented player or a prospect.
2. Buffalo Sabres
After a 14-season playoff drought, the Buffalo Sabres made it to the playoffs with 109 points. They played the Boston Bruins in the first round and defeated them in the series 4-2. Buffalo then played the Montreal Canadiens and brought them to Game 7 before ultimately losing in the second round.
The biggest loss for the Sabres was losing Alex Tuch in a sign-and-trade deal with the Washington Capitals. The Sabres attempted to sign Patrick Kane, but he went to the Blackhawks.
The Sabres have been interested in trading for some players, and one of those is Marchenko, who would solve their problem for the winger position, and he would give them a great sniper. However, the Sabres were also reportedly interested in some other wingers, such as Alex DeBrincat from the Red Wings and Bryan Rust from the Pittsburgh Penguins.
The Sabres would have a lot of trade candidates to give in return for Marchenko, like a young star Zach Benson or Jack Quinn.
1. Utah Mammoth
When the rumors came out that the Blue Jackets were attempting to trade away Marchenko, the Utah Mammoth were right on it. Marchenko to the Mammoth would be a significant move.
Since Bill Armstrong became general manager in 2021, he has been working on getting his team better. The Mammoth’s roster is filled with players that they have drafted in the recent years, but Armstrong has made moves like bringing in Vincent Trocheck, a center who can also play right wing. If the Mammoth were to get Marchenko, that would give Trocheck a chance to play the position that he has played for years.
Marchenko would be a great player for the Mammoth, bringing them good depth, and a very talented right winger. With the squad depth the Mammoth have they definitely have what it takes to bring Marchenko to their team, with some young prospects, and young talent.
Main Image: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images
