- Kevin Weekes reports Kirill Marchenko’s camp says he’s unlikely to re-sign with Columbus
- The winger is reportedly seeking an eight-figure deal with a cap hit around $11 million
- Read below for the Canadiens and Mammoth interest and where the Blue Jackets go next
Kirill Marchenko might be on his way out of Columbus.
NHL.com’s Kevin Weekes reported Friday night that Marchenko’s camp told him the 25-year-old winger is unlikely to re-sign with the Blue Jackets as things stand. The word dropped during the first round of the draft, right after Columbus took Oscar Hemming 14th overall.
Here’s what Weekes posted:
Marchenko is one of the better young scorers in the league, and he wants to get paid like it. He’s looking for an eight-figure contract with a cap hit somewhere around $11 million, per Weekes.
The numbers back him up. Marchenko led all Blue Jackets forwards in scoring last season with 27 goals and 67 points. The year before that, he broke out for a career-high 31 goals and 74 points. He already has four 20-goal seasons on his resume and plays a heavy game on the right wing.
Earlier in the day, teams calling Columbus about Marchenko were getting a firm no. By Friday night that had flipped, and one of the best forwards in the league might actually be available.
The Canadiens and Mammoth are already at the front of the line. David Pagnotta of The Fourth Period reported both teams have serious interest:
Columbus may not be done losing stars either. Zach Werenski has surfaced in trade rumors too, and the team is set to meet with the Norris Trophy winner after the draft. Moving both would gut a roster that still hasn’t reached the playoffs since John Tortorella left.
Any team that lands Marchenko pays a steep price. Montreal and Utah both have the picks and prospects to make the Blue Jackets pick up the phone.
