Kirill Marchenko may leave Rick Bowness and the Columbus Blue Jackets waiting well into next summer for a contract decision.
Aaron Portzline believes Marchenko will use July 1 as leverage before committing to anything on his next deal.
That approach has become more common among high-end restricted free agents. Reaching July 1 gives players another negotiating tool and creates pressure on teams trying to protect major assets.
For Columbus, the message is clear: an early extension shouldn't be expected simply because management wants cost certainty.
Marchenko can play out the coming season, strengthen his value and wait until the calendar gives his camp more options.
That possibility puts Don Waddell in a difficult position. The Blue Jackets must decide whether to keep building around Marchenko without knowing what his next contract will cost.
" Aaron Portzline: Re Kirill Marchenko/Blue Jackets: I think we learned this summer that these high end RFAs, they're now using July 1st as their leverage; I think Marchenko's gonna go into next year after July 1st before he does anything - DLLS Stars Podcast (7/27) "
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Blue Jackets could be headed for contract nightmare with Kirill Marchenko
The delay doesn't confirm unhappiness, a trade request or a breakdown in talks. It points to a player willing to let his performance shape the negotiation.
Marchenko's name has already dominated trade speculation this summer. Montreal has repeatedly surfaced as a possible destination, while conflicting reports have questioned whether Columbus is seriously considering a move.
Portzline's latest read offers another explanation for the noise. The Blue Jackets may not be facing an immediate trade problem, but they could be heading toward a long and uncomfortable contract process.
Waiting gives Marchenko control. A strong season would raise his asking price and make it harder for Columbus to argue for a team-friendly agreement.
It also creates risk for the Blue Jackets. Waddell must plan future cap commitments without knowing whether Marchenko will accept a long extension, prefer a shorter deal or push the situation toward a trade.
Bowness can influence the file through deployment. A major top-six role and consistent power-play work would confirm Marchenko's importance while giving him another opportunity to increase his value.
Columbus doesn't need to move him now, but the club can't ignore the calendar. If Marchenko intends to wait beyond July 1, next summer could quickly become a test of Waddell's leverage.
Should the Blue Jackets trade Kirill Marchenko before his price rises?
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