NHL Rumor Mill – July 27, 2026
Are the Blue Jackets and Canadiens on the verge of a big trade involving Kirill Marchenko? Find out in today’s NHL Rumor Mill.
RG MEDIA: Daria Tuboltseva reported that a source close to Kirill Marchenko claimed the Columbus Blue Jackets winger was expected to be traded in the near future. The Blue Jackets and another team were said to be finalizing the terms of the trade, and the 26-year-old winger’s camp is aware of it.
Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).
SPECTOR’S NOTE: A month ago, ESPN’s Kevin Weekes reported sources informed him that Marchenko, who is slated to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, was reluctant to sign a contract extension this summer.
The Blue Jackets weren’t actively shopping Marchenko. General manager Don Waddell recently said that the winger would be with the club when the season started.
Tuboltseva indicated that the Montreal Canadiens were among the clubs that pursued Marchenko earlier this summer. She speculated that they could factor into the current trade talks. She cited colleague Marco D’Amico, who recently said that the Canadiens were still in the market for a top-six scorer and Marchenko was among the most attractive options in the market, depending on whether he’d sign an extension with an acquiring team.
THE ATHLETIC: Aaron Portzline reported Sunday that nothing was happening with Marchenko, despite the rumors out of Russia.
Portzline acknowledged that the situation could change later this summer. However, he stated that it was his understanding that the Blue Jackets hadn’t received any calls about Marchenko since earlier this summer.
THE HOCKEY WRITERS: Mark Scheig also stated that there was nothing new regarding Marchenko’s status despite the report and the rampant rumors it generated.
THE COLUMBUS DISPATCH: Brian Hedger reported Waddell has refuted the report, claiming it’s been weeks since he’s spoken with general managers about Marchenko.
SPECTOR’S NOTE: Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, took to social media to refute a false claim that he was discussing a contract extension for his client with the Canadiens.
Waddell could be denying the rumors because he doesn’t want it to get out that he’s in trade talks with other clubs about Marchenko. Maybe he is close to a deal that sends the scoring winger to Montreal or another NHL team.
Tuboltseva is reporting what her source is telling her. However, Portzline, Scheig, and Hedger are the Blue Jackets beat writers and are well-connected to sources within the organization, and they agree that there’s nothing to this rumor.
Meanwhile, some Canadiens followers have been speculating about what it would take for their club to acquire Marchenko.
The Canadiens don’t have anyone on their roster that they’re willing to part with that could land a player of Marchenko’s caliber. Waddell won’t be interested in Kirby Dach or Arber Xhekaj. Yes, Oliver Kapanen is promising, but he’s not the centerpiece of a trade that brings Marchenko to Montreal.
If the Canadiens are attempting to acquire Marchenko, they will be offering up draft picks and prospects. That means a first-round pick in 2027 or 2028, which most Habs fans probably wouldn’t mind parting with because of the young talent on the roster and within the system. However, it will also mean parting with Michael Hage and/or Alexander Zharovsky as part of the package.
Even then, Waddell probably wouldn’t be interested in an offer comprised of picks and prospects. He’s trying to turn the Blue Jackets into a playoff contender this season, and that means he wants a good young roster player. And no, Kapanen’s not enough to get it done. He wants an established young scoring forward.
For those of you who think the Canadiens could get Marchenko without parting with one of their good young roster players, or their top-two prospects, ask yourself this question: If I were Don Waddell, would I want to scuttle my club’s chances to make the playoffs this season by giving up my highest-scoring forward for a return of futures?
If you’re being honest with yourself, your answer is, “Of course not, I want the best return I can get, and if I can’t get it from the Canadiens, I’ll find it from another NHL club”.
Waddell must win now if he’s to convince Zach Werenski to remain with the Blue Jackets when his contract expires in two years. A return of futures for his leading goal scorer doesn’t address that need.
NJ could put together a solid package for Marchenko. Dawson Mercer, a 1st round pick and an NHL ready D prospect (Casey or Edwards) should be significant enough to at least consider a move. Marchenko would of course have to sign an extension in NJ.
With some rumors suggesting a return of 2 NHL ready players and 2 draft picks, one of which would be a first rounder, for Marchenko, your suggestion is underwhelming.
Mercer doesn’t help them enough now. That offer doesn’t fly. But 4 assets for him? 2 nhl players and two picks? Get right on outta town.
Thinking Newhook, Bryce Pickford and a minor pick would be enough to get Kirill
Columbus needs to bring some hype to the club, just look at what playoffs meant for Buffalo.
I don’t know if it’s my algorithm but I saw a few posts yesterday that NYR where other team. Wonder how Marchenko deal could compare to Dorofeyev. 2 firsts and a 3rd. If Columbus wants players, it would have to be similar value. Also, is Marchenko going to get paid the same? Not sure 2 teams looking to make playoffs in same division can agree on a trade. Has Drury seen enough of Lafreniere to think he’d be better off with fresh start elsewhere? Would Waddell swap straight up? Cost controlled compared to Marchenko, who has played with Dorofeyev for Russia. Dorofeyev has scored more.