Free agency is less than 24 hours away for the Montreal Canadiens but with a weak free agent class and limited cap space, their best chance to add an impact player is through a trade. One of the players that would fall into that category is Columbus Blue Jackets' Kirill Marchenko.
According to David Pagnotta, the Blue Jackets currently have their focus on trying to complete a Zach Werenski trade but are still listening on Marchenko. They have several teams calling about the forward and the Montreal Canadiens are one of them.
Trade conversations in Columbus seem focused on Zach Werenski (Dallas chats continue), but teams are still discussing Kirill Marchenko - teams like Montreal, Utah, Seattle, Philly, among others.
— David Pagnotta (@TheFourthPeriod) June 30, 2026
While the Canadiens need a second-line center, they will want an upgrade for their Top 6 regardless of position. In that case, Marchenko would be a perfect fit as the young forward has been very productive with 102 goals in 292 career games.
He is entering the final year of his three-year contract with a cap hit of $3.85 million and will be a restricted free agent after this season. The Canadiens wouldn't have to work out a new contract, but they certainly would have that option.
Kirill Marchenko on a line with Ivan Demidov would take pressure off whoever is center
If the Canadiens could pull off a Marchenko trade, they would be able to create a second line with Marchenko and breakout star from last season in Ivan Demidov. At that point, the focus shifts to finding a player who can win faceoffs at a high rate like Jake Evans.
It may not be ideal, but at this point, the focus is to find a player who can bridge the gap until Michael Hage is ready to make the jump to the NHL.
For general manager Kent Hughes, it won't be easy, and it will have to be a huge trade package. The Blue Jackets don't have to trade Marchenko, but they also have several teams expressing interest. They certainly have the leverage in trade discussions, but for the Montreal Canadiens, it would be worth it with the upgrade Marchenko would be for their Top 6.
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