Check out the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Wild defenseman Quinn Hughes in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.

THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reports trade rumors suggest the Columbus Blue Jackets might trade Kirill Marchenko before their season opener on Thursday against the Buffalo Sabres.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

The 26-year-old winger has made it clear that he’ll quite likely leave the Blue Jackets once his contract expires.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has informed his fellow NHL GMs that Marchenko is available. However, he seeks immediate scoring help in return and isn’t interested in draft picks and prospects. “We want the best player possible to replace him,” Waddell said.

Waddell indicated he’s receiving calls about Marchenko, but he’s not “making the calls.” So far, no one has met his asking price.

Rival clubs hope the Blue Jackets get desperate, but they aren’t. Marchenko is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, meaning the Jackets control his rights after this season.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: The Blue Jackets aren’t under pressure to move Marchenko as they would be if he were slated to become an unrestricted free agent next July. Waddell can be patient and wait for a suitable offer.

THE SCORE: Kyle Cushman cited Minnesota Wild GM Bill Guerin, who told TNT on Friday that he’s trying not to put too much pressure on Quinn Hughes to sign a contract extension.

Hughes, 26, is UFA-eligible next July unless he re-signs with the Wild before July 1.

Guerin acknowledged that this is a major decision for Hughes as he tries to determine what’s best for him and his family. He reminded everyone that winger Kirill Kaprizov went through the same thing at this time last year.

“We’re trying to allow him the time, not put too much pressure on him. He knows where we stand. We want him here for a long, long time. He’s a big part of our team, a big part of our core. But again, these things take time.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: It’s assumed Hughes will bolt for the New Jersey Devils and reunite with his brothers, Jack and Luke, as a free agent next July.

However, we must also consider that Hughes wants to see how this season unfolds with the Wild before he decides what to do.

If the Wild have a great season and win the Stanley Cup, or at least look like a perennial Cup contender, that could convince him to stay in Minnesota.

Nevertheless, the longer Hughes remains unsigned, the more he’ll remain a fixture in this season’s rumor mill.