Kirill Marchenko remains linked to Martin St-Louis and Montreal, but a Columbus insider is pushing back hard on the trade talk.
Daria Tuboltseva reported that Marchenko is expected to be moved soon, citing a source close to the Blue Jackets winger.
Her report said trade discussions had regained momentum after weeks of mixed signals. Montreal was identified as a club that previously pursued Marchenko.
That created immediate noise around the Canadiens, who continue to search for another scoring option capable of strengthening their top six.
Then Aaron Portzline offered a completely different read. The Blue Jackets insider said “nothing” was happening with Marchenko despite the report coming out of Russia.
The contradiction leaves Marchenko at the center of the NHL's messiest summer rumor. One side says a trade is approaching; the other says no talks are moving.
" Told there's nothing happening with #CBJ on the Kirill Marchenko front, despite rumors out of Russia to the contrary.
Not saying it can't change later this summer. But my understanding is #CBJ have not had calls on Marchenko since earlier this summer. "
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Portzline's response matters because he covers Columbus closely and directly challenged the idea that the Blue Jackets are finalizing Marchenko's exit.
But the volume of discussion around the winger is difficult to ignore. His name has surfaced repeatedly rather than appearing in one isolated rumor.
Montreal's involvement also makes hockey sense. Kent Hughes needs more scoring support, and Marchenko would give St-Louis another winger capable of competing for an offensive role.
That doesn't mean the Canadiens are the unnamed team in active negotiations. The original report only confirmed that Montreal had shown interest earlier in the offseason.
Columbus also has no reason to rush. Don Waddell can listen to offers without deciding that Marchenko must be moved before training camp.
The Canadiens would need clarity on more than the trade return. Marchenko's future contract would shape the value of any package and determine how aggressively Hughes should push.
For now, the strongest development is the public disagreement itself. A report of an approaching deal has been met by a firm denial from one of the closest voices to the Blue Jackets.
Marchenko hasn't been traded, and Montreal hasn't been confirmed as his destination. But until Columbus shuts down the conversation with action, the Canadiens will remain attached to the winger.
Will Kirill Marchenko be traded to the Montreal Canadiens?
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