Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Senators winger Drake Batherson in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

Join me and Jim Biringer of Full Press Hockey as we discuss Cale Makar’s record contract with the Avalanche, Quinn Hughes’ contract talks with the Wild, and the latest notable rumors.

THE LATEST KIRILL MARCHENKO RUMORS

THE SICK PODCAST: James Murphy reported one of his sources believes that the Columbus Blue Jackets don’t intend to trade Kirill Marchenko. However, another source isn’t ruling out the possibility

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 25-year-old right wing entered the rumor mill in June after an ESPN report claimed he was reluctant to sign a contract extension.

Speculation grew in July following a report from Russia claiming the Blue Jackets were discussing a trade involving Kirill Marchenko, sparking rumors linking him to the Montreal Canadiens. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell dismissed those reports.

Murphy’s second source claimed that if the Blue Jackets were willing to “really consider” trading Marchenko, the Canadiens would be at the front of the line of trade suitors. He suggested that he might sacrifice Marchenko to free up salary cap room to re-sign restricted free-agent center Adam Fantilli.

Asked what it would cost the Canadiens to acquire Marchenko, Murphy’s source said they won’t part with prospect center Michael Hage.

THE ATHLETIC: Allan Mitchell recently suggested Marchenko as a trade target for the Edmonton Oilers.

Mitchell argued that the Oilers need to pursue an impact player, someone who can deliver guaranteed production for at least the next five seasons. He believes Marchenko could address that need, and suggested that they could sign him to a long-term deal if he flourishes in Edmonton.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets have over $12.6 million in cap space for this season. They’d have no reason to move Marchenko and his $3.85 million cap hit in a cost-cutting move unless Fantilli is seeking well over $13 million annually.

However, the Blue Jackets might not have to take that step right away. They could place goaltender Elvis Merzlikins on long-term injury reserve to start the season if his recent shoulder surgery sidelines him for a long period of time. Of course, they’ll have to become cap-compliant once Merzlikins is ready to return later in the season.

The Canadiens could be among the suitors for Marchenko if he becomes available. It’s no secret they’re in the market for a top-six forward (preferably a center) to play alongside budding superstar Ivan Demidov on their second line. They also have the depth in draft picks, prospects, promising young players, and long-term salary-cap space to make a tempting offer.

However, that’s not the same case for the Oilers. They would likely lose a bidding war for Marchenko.

UPDATE ON DRAKE BATHERSON’S CONTRACT TALKS

OTTAWA SUN: Bruce Garrioch believes the Senators must move quickly to sign Drake Batherson to a new contract before uncertainty over his future sets in.

Batherson, 28, is UFA-eligible next July. He’s in the final season of a six-year contract worth $4.95 million annually.

Senators GM Steve Staios has indicated he wants to re-sign Batherson, who wants to remain with the Senators. Garrioch cited sources claiming the winger seeks an eight-year contract but it would have to be signed before Sept. 15, after which the league maximum contract term drops to seven years for re-signings and from seven to six years for unrestricted free agents.

It’s believed Batherson could command between $10 million and $11 million annually on the open market next summer. Garrioch cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman reporting there is a pathway to a deal, but it involves compromise on both sides. That means closing the AAV gap on an eight-year deal.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: As Garrioch points out, if they don’t get a deal signed by Sept. 15, the Senators might not be willing to go with a higher AAV on a seven-year contract. The longer the term, the lower the AAV could be.