What Happened
The Columbus Blue Jackets are weighing what to do with winger Kirill Marchenko, who has given no indication he plans to remain with the club when his contract expires. Marchenko, 26, is entering the final season of a three-year, $11.5-million deal and will become a restricted free agent next summer. After signing Adam Fantilli to a long-term extension this week, Columbus has a clearer picture of its future cap situation. According to Sportsnet's Elliotte Friedman, the team must choose between keeping Marchenko for the season or moving him if he does not want to be there.
Key Details
- Marchenko is in the last year of a three-year, $11.5-million contract.
- He will be a restricted free agent after the season.
- The 26-year-old winger has not signaled a desire to stay in Columbus.
- Columbus signed Adam Fantilli to a long-term deal this week.
- Friedman said the choice is keeping Marchenko or changing the room.
What It Means
Columbus has locked in Fantilli long term, giving management a clearer view of its cap structure. Marchenko's situation now becomes a test of whether the Blue Jackets keep a productive winger for a playoff push or move him before his value is limited to a restricted free agent negotiation. The decision could shape the forward group and the team's cap flexibility going forward.
What's Next
The Blue Jackets must decide before or during the season whether to keep Marchenko or explore a trade. His play and any further contract talks will determine how the situation unfolds.