In today’s NHL Rumor Mill, we have the latest on Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko and Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk, plus an update on the Red Wings search for a new general manager.

THE HOCKEY NEWS: Russell Macias cited Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman, who claimed the New York Islanders are “around that”, referring to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko.

Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko (NHL Images).

During the 2026 NHL Draft, it was reported that Marchenko was unlikely to sign a contract extension. He’s slated to become a restricted free agent next July and is UFA-eligible in 2028.

Macias believes the cost of acquiring Marchenko is high now, but that price will drop as his RFA eligibility becomes closer on July 1.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Macias’ colleague, Stefen Rosner, believes the Islanders aren’t the only team interested in Marchenko. The Blue Jackets winger was frequently linked to the Montreal Canadiens this summer.

The Islanders did little during the offseason to address their popgun offense. A winger in his prime like Marchenko would provide a substantial boost among their top-six forwards.

Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell admitted he’s received trade offers but nothing yet that would entice him to part with Marchenko. That could change over the course of the season for teams that need additional scoring punch.

SPORTSNET: Iain MacIntyre reports Vancouver Canucks winger Jake DeBrusk is not as keen to leave his rebuilding team as originally believed.

DeBrusk, 29, raised eyebrows before the March 6 trade deadline when he said that a rebuild “is not something I would be OK with or accepting. My game doesn’t fit that.”

He pointed out that he clarified those remarks the following day, explaining that it had been an emotional season. He said that he still believed in the group of players, adding that he still would’ve signed with them.

DeBrusk said he never asked for a trade and still believes he can help the Canucks win.

SPECTOR’S NOTE: DeBrusk is signed through 2030-31 with an AAV of $5.5 million. He also has a full no-movement clause.

DeBrusk may not have asked to be traded, but several teams (including the Ottawa Senators) reportedly looked into his availability. Another difficult season for the Canucks could prompt some teams to renew their inquiries, especially if he plays well.

MLIVE.COM: Ansar Khan reports league insiders are questioning the lengthy process by the Detroit Red Wings to find a new general manager.

The Red Wings fired Steve Yzerman as GM in mid-July. Two months later, they appear to be no closer to finding a suitable replacement, with training camp opening next week.

On Monday, Detroit Tigers GM Jeff Greenberg withdrew from consideration. Khan indicated that’s often a sign that a hiring is imminent, but there’s still no word from the Red Wings.

Khan cited NHL insider Frank Seravalli’s recent appearance on Toronto’s The Fan 590 Morning Show, where he said he doesn’t know what’s happening, indicating that some of the rumored candidates haven’t even been interviewed.

Sportnet’s Elliotte Friedman reported Thursday that the Wings “asked for permission from some people and haven’t interviewed them.”

Khan claimed some within the Red Wings’ organization “describe this entire process as bizarre” and had no idea what is happening.

Some of the potential candidates reportedly include “assistant general manager Brett Peterson of Florida, Jeff Kealty of San Jose, and Scott White of Dallas.”

SPECTOR’S NOTE: Assistant GM Shawn Horcoff is handling the day-to-day duties. With training camp less than a week away, the Wings must address Dylan Larkin’s trade request and sign restricted free-agent defenseman Simon Edvinsson to a new contract.

The Red Wings ownership seeks someone who is “data and analytics-driven”, but it seems they haven’t found a suitable candidate yet. It’s becoming an unnecessary distraction for a once-proud franchise that is starting to resemble “The Dead Things” from the 1970s and 80s.