Canadiens would be ‘all over’ Kirill Marchenko if Blue Jackets change course

The Montreal Canadiens remain closely tied to Kirill Marchenko, although there is little evidence that a trade is imminent. Still, NHL analyst Marco D’Amico says Montreal would immediately pursue the Columbus Blue Jackets winger if the situation changes.

Speaking on The Sheet with Jeff Marek, D’Amico addressed recent speculation linking the Canadiens and Blue Jackets. “Aaron Portzline kind of calmed things down a little bit,” he said, while quoting Portzline’s repost saying that “there hasn’t been any discussion dating back to the beginning of the month.”

Those comments followed a report from RG Media in late July claiming Marchenko could soon be traded. D’Amico acknowledged the rumors but stressed one point stood out.

“The only thing I can confirm is if the Columbus Blue Jackets do get to a point where they decide to move Kirill Marchenko, the Montreal Canadiens will be all over it,” D’Amico said.

However, he questioned whether Montreal has the package Columbus general manager Don Waddell would ultimately accept. He said, “Does that mean they necessarily have the pieces that Don Waddell wants? That remains to be seen.”

<

Columbus, Ohio, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets right wing Kirill Marchenko (86) at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

D’Amico mentioned that the Blue Jackets’ financial outlook has shifted in recent weeks. “Part of me is thinking Adam Fantilli,” he said, while mentioning, “I don’t think Don Waddell, in the month of June, was thinking Adam Fantilli was going to cost him north of $13 million, but that’s the reality now.”

That changing salary picture could influence how Columbus approaches Marchenko, who is coming off another productive season. The 25-year-old led the Blue Jackets with 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games while carrying an affordable $3.85 million cap hit entering the final year of his contract.

From Montreal’s perspective, the fit is easy to understand. The Canadiens reached the Eastern Conference Final last season but still have room to strengthen their top six. Marchenko’s scoring touch and age align with the team’s competitive window led by Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.

Still, no trade appears close. Portzline’s reporting suggests discussions have cooled, and D’Amico echoed that assessment. Unless Columbus changes course, the Canadiens will likely remain interested observers.

However, if Marchenko officially becomes available, Montreal is expected to be among the first teams calling.