NHL rumors: Kirill Marchenko unlikely to re-sign with Blue Jackets, says insider

It’s been a brutal couple of days for the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Just hours after it was reported that reigning Norris Trophy winner Zach Werenski isn’t planning to sign a contract extension in Ohio, the team’s most productive forward is now potentially following suit.

As first reported by ESPN’s Kevin Weekes, “Kirill Marchenko’s camp tells me that as of now he’s unlikely to re-sign with the Blue Jackets.”

Werenski and Marchenko are the best defenseman and forward on the team, respectively, and losing one or both will be devastating as they look to return to legitimate playoff contention.

The Jackets have gone six consecutive seasons without reaching the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The Athletic’s Pierre LeBrun provided more information on Marchenko’s situation as the 2026 NHL Draft continues on Saturday afternoon.

“It’s important to note that Marchenko has not asked for a trade. He is ready to come back and play next season for the Jackets and potentially the year after that, as Columbus controls his restricted free-agent rights for another year,” the hockey insider wrote.

“But the message was delivered that he doesn’t want to be around long-term. And it seems Marchenko came to that decision once he realized what was happening with Werenski. Several teams, including the Montreal Canadiens, are calling on Marchenko. But despite the message from Marchenko’s agent Friday, my understanding is that Waddell has been telling teams in the last 24 hours that he has no intention of trading the forward this summer.”

Regardless, Waddell will eventually have to make a decision on both Werenski and Marchenko, potentially sooner rather than later if he hopes to maximize their trade value.

The 25-year-old Marchenko has one season remaining on a contract that will pay him $3.85 million; he will be a restricted free agent next summer.

He has emerged into a star forward over the last few years, amassing 74 points in 79 games in 2024-25 and following it up with 67 points in 76 contests this past season.

Waddell has made it clear that he has no interest in a futures trade, meaning if Werenski and Marchenko are dealt, the organization will be getting NHL-ready players back.

All that to say, the Blue Jackets are one of the top teams to watch as they attempt to navigate an increasingly complicated offseason.

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