# Kirill Marchenko trade and contract speculation > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/kirill-marchenko-trade-and-contract-speculation > Updated: 2026-09-24T18:05:00.000Z. Sources: 12. Developments: 3. Speculation regarding the future of Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko has intensified as he enters the final year of his contract. During training camp media availability, Marchenko remained noncommittal about his long-term status, noting that business matters are being managed by General Manager Don Waddell and his agent, Dan Milstein. Recent reports indicate that the 26-year-old winger has expressed a desire to leave Columbus and does not intend to re-sign with the team once his current contract expires. As Marchenko is set to become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, his availability has drawn significant interest from several NHL teams. The Boston Bruins are among the organizations actively pursuing the winger, with reports suggesting they have already made a trade offer. Other teams linked to Marchenko include the Toronto Maple Leafs, Montreal Canadiens, New York Islanders, Edmonton Oilers, and Vegas Golden Knights. The winger, who has surpassed the 20-goal mark in each of his first four seasons, remains a high-value target for teams seeking long-term offensive assets rather than short-term rentals. This trade uncertainty compounds existing organizational challenges for Columbus, including an ongoing contract dispute with center Adam Fantilli. ## Claims - Marchenko stated his immediate focus is on playing hockey and being ready on the ice. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Marchenko attributed contract and business negotiations to GM Don Waddell and Dan Milstein. (corroborated by 3 sources) - Marchenko is entering the final season of a three-year, $11.55 million contract with the Blue Jackets. (single source) - Marchenko recorded 67 points, including 27 goals and 40 assists, in 76 games during the 2025-26 season. (single source) ## Timeline ### 2026-09-24: Kirill Marchenko linked to NHL trades as winger seeks exit from Columbus NHL winger Kirill Marchenko is the subject of intense trade rumors as he seeks to leave the Columbus Blue Jackets. The Boston Bruins, Toronto Maple Leafs, and Montreal Canadiens are among several interested. 5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/boston-bruins-linked-to-kirill-marchenko-trade-and-pavel-zacha-roster-decisions ### 2026-09-18: Kirill Marchenko avoids discussing future with Columbus Blue Jackets Columbus Blue Jackets forward Kirill Marchenko declined to comment on his future with the team during training camp, stating his focus remains solely on playing hockey while his representatives handle business. 10 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/kirill-marchenko-avoids-discussing-future-with-blue-jackets ### 2026-09-09: Kirill Marchenko potentially available for trade in Columbus Columbus Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell says Kirill Marchenko is available for trade if a deal benefits the team, amid rumors linking the leading scorer to the Montreal Canadiens. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/columbus-blue-jackets-gm-don-waddell-signals-kirill-marchenko-availability --- Cite as: Kirill Marchenko trade and contract speculation. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/kirill-marchenko-trade-and-contract-speculation