Kirill Marchenko has certainly been one of the most controversial figures in the NHL for several months now.
Of course, there have been rumors linking him to the Montreal Canadiens as the “fit” is almost perfect – or almost.
The thought of him being on the same level as Ivan Demidov certainly makes fans salivate.
The team needs a scoring player (ideally a big, physical one) in the top six, and Marchenko seems to tick all the boxes.
We know Kent Hughes has said the club are willing to overpay for the right player. Marchenko is that player?
Marco D’Amico thinks so, and he discussed the Blue Jackets forward’s case at length with Sean Starr during the game. The Starr and D’Amico Show.
In my opinion, it goes without saying that you have to overpay for a player who meets as many criteria as Marchenko.
Obviously, he seems like the ideal player, especially since he seems to be available and doesn’t seem to want to spend his career in Columbus.
Obviously, the Habs would have to give up a lot to acquire the 26-year-old Russian. This works well because the Hubs have a lot of assets available for trading.
Just recently we learned what Don Waddell’s demands on Marchenko are. Players will be needed who are ready to help the team right away.
Starr and D’Amico discussed a potential proposal that might appeal to Columbus, and package the inclusion of Oliver Kapanen, Adam Engström and Alexander Zharovsky would make a lot of sense.
Keep in mind that Adam Fantilli is still unsigned and will likely ask for around $15 million per season. The Jackets currently have just over $12 million in cap space and goaltender Elvis Merzlikins will likely be placed on LTIR (long-term injured reserve), saving just over $5 million.
Marchenko is in the final year of his contract, which pays him just $3.85 million per season. So if Waddell needs immediate help, she will have to pay a very reasonable salary.
This is where Kapanen and Engstrom get interesting, as they are both on entry-level contracts. Moreover, Kapanen has proven that he can definitely contribute to a top-9 and even top-6 lineup, scoring 22 goals in his rookie season. He is solid defensively and holds his own in the faceoff circle.
Adam Engstrom is very close to the NHL and could become a valuable asset for the Jackets very soon. Add in Zharovskiy, who is a top prospect, and they may have to include a draft pick or two in the deal.
Frankly, I agree with D’Amico: Marchenko is a player the Habs can—and should—overpay for. And a trade package like the one mentioned above makes a lot of sense.
I imagine, however, that Kent Hughes will wait until the last minute in hopes of getting it at a more reasonable price. On the other hand, he shouldn’t wait too long knowing that he could be traded to a team like the Ottawa Senators.
The Habs can’t afford to miss their chance to acquire a player like Marchenko, especially if he’s headed to another division.
In a nutshell
– Fine.
Via Instagram, Connor Ingram, who played 134 NHL games for Nashville, Arizona, Utah and Edmonton, announced his retirement.
He adds that his goal is to go back to school to study psychology and use what he learns to help others.
— Elliott Friedman (@FriedgeHNIC) September 11, 2026
– Incredible.
Lesson: How to select the best player available in the OHL Draft, even if he doesn’t want to play for you.
Brampton selects Tanner Adams – the consensus top two player in the draft – with the third overall pick, knowing he wants to play in Sudbury.
That leaves them with the fifth pick in 2027 plus 16 picks.
— Scott Wheeler (@scottcwheeler) September 11, 2026
– Read more.
When will he return?
— Passion MLB (@passion_mlb) September 11, 2026
“It’s not easy for the Blue Jays.”
It’s a 5-run inning for the Orioles. pic.twitter.com/plzyd2VyaE
— Sportsnet (@Sportsnet) September 11, 2026