NHLer Kirill Marchenko’s agent shuts down Canadiens trade rumor
· Yahoo Sports
NHL trade rumors surrounding Kirill Marchenko intensified last week, but his agent has since poured cold water on reports linking the Columbus Blue Jackets forward to the Montreal Canadiens. The rumors gained traction after reports suggested Columbus was close to completing a blockbuster deal.
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RG.org reported that Marchenko was “essentially between two teams” and that trade discussions were progressing. A source close to the winger said, “The parties are now negotiating the terms of the trade.”
The speculation grew after an NHL analyst posted on X that the Canadiens were working on a complex three-team trade involving Columbus. The analyst added, “Montreal obviously has strong interest in Marchenko, but not just him.”
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Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, wasted little time responding. “Go back to your vacation, man the mystery forward is doing more work than your ‘sources’ right now,” Milstein wrote on X, dismissing the report with a playful jab.
Marchenko remains one of Columbus’ top offensive players. He recorded 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season. The 26-year-old is entering the final year of his three-year contract carrying a $3.85 million cap hit before becoming a restricted free agent.
Mixed messages keep the Canadiens trade speculation alive
Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) skates at Scotiabank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nick Turchiaro-Imagn ImagesBlue Jackets general manager Don Waddell has consistently maintained that Marchenko will begin the season in Columbus. Those comments contrast with outside reports suggesting uncertainty around the winger’s long-term future.
The Athletic’s Aaron Portzline also pushed back against the latest rumors. “Told there’s nothing happening with #CBJ on the Kirill Marchenko front, despite rumors out of Russia to the contrary,” Portzline wrote. “Not saying it can’t change later this summer. But my understanding is #CBJ have not had calls on Marchenko since earlier this summer.”
Montreal remains a logical fit because it wants another proven top-six scorer. However, there is no confirmed evidence that negotiations with Columbus are active.
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Until either team announces a move, the situation remains driven by conflicting reports. Milstein’s response and Portzline’s reporting suggest fans should treat the latest Canadiens speculation with caution, despite Marchenko remaining one of the NHL’s most discussed trade candidates.