The Columbus Blue Jackets are reportedly close to finalizing a trade involving their leading scorer, Kirill Marchenko, who is currently training in Russia for the upcoming NHL season.
The report, citing a source close to the player, emerged on July 25.
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The Montreal Canadiens have expressed interest and may be involved in negotiations following discussions at the NHL draft in June.
However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell denied recent communication with other NHL GMs about Marchenko, stating it has been "weeks" since any talks occurred.
Marchenko's agent, Dan Milstein, did not respond to inquiries but engaged playfully with fans on social media about trade rumors.
When asked about a potential move to Montreal, he joked about "steep tariffs on exporting talent to or from Canada right now."
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Offseason Uncertainty
Earlier in the offseason, reports indicated that neither Marchenko nor star defenseman Zach Werenski intended to re-sign with the Blue Jackets beyond their current contracts, prompting trade speculation from multiple NHL teams.
Werenski exercised his no-movement rights to block a trade to the Dallas Stars.
Both he and Waddell expressed a desire to remain in Columbus but did not set a timeline for a new contract.
Waddell has focused on signing restricted free agents, securing three-year deals with goalie Jet Greaves and forward Cole Sillinger.
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The remaining priority is re-signing top center Adam Fantilli, whose expected high salary could limit future cap space for Marchenko and Werenski.
