The hockey world has been abuzz with speculation that Kirill Marchenko, the Columbus Blue Jackets’ right winger, could be heading to Montreal. The rumors gained traction after a series of reports suggested the Canadiens were preparing a substantial offer, though the Blue Jackets have repeatedly refuted any imminent transaction.
GM’s Response
Columbus general manager Don Waddell publicly dismissed the latest trade chatter, stating that no concrete proposals have reached his desk. His denial came after insider Frank Seravalli hinted at a “massive” Canadiens overture, a claim that has since been tempered by the lack of follow‑up from the team.
Daria Tuboltseva of RG Media added on July 25 that negotiations were supposedly underway, but the narrative shifted when Marco D’Amico, a Canadiens insider, could only confirm lingering interest without detailing any concrete steps. Beat writers Aaron Portzline and Mark Scheig echoed the sentiment, reporting no new developments on the trade front.
Roster Priorities
The Blue Jackets are currently focused on securing the futures of their restricted free agents — Jet Greaves, Cole Sillinger and the highly touted Adam Fantilli. Greaves and Sillinger have already avoided arbitration by signing fresh deals, but Fantilli remains unsigned, a situation that could attract offer‑sheet interest from rival clubs.
Signing Fantilli is projected to cost roughly $15 million, a figure that would tighten the team’s already constrained salary‑cap space and complicate any simultaneous effort to lock down Marchenko and Zach Werenski to long‑term extensions. The financial calculus underscores why the organization is proceeding cautiously.
What’s Next
For now, the trade rumor mill continues to spin, but the Blue Jackets’ front office appears intent on preserving roster stability while navigating cap constraints. Whether Montreal will adjust its approach or the Jackets will revisit extension talks remains to be seen.