Canadiens May Target Marchenko If Blue Jackets Gut Pressure

The Montreal Canadiens missed out on acquiring Kirill Marchenko when they first made an offer earlier this summer. Marchenko, a right‑wing for the Columbus Blue Jackets, is now in the final year of a three‑year, $11.55 million contract. He recorded 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season and logged a plus‑seven rating for Columbus. With Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield already aboard, the Canadiens are scouting a proven top‑six forward to complement their lineup.

NHL analyst Marco D’Amico says the trade landscape could shift dramatically if several teams begin the season under pressure. He observes that most clubs are now focused on immediate, player‑for‑player swaps rather than long‑term contracts. The analyst points to executives who feel the heat of fan expectations, suggesting that urgency may override a preference for future draft picks. Such a climate creates openings for teams like Montreal to revisit previously rejected deals.

D’Amico singles out Columbus general manager Don Waddell as a potential candidate for a hot‑seat scenario. He argues that if Waddell loses his job, a new regime might be more amenable to dealing Marchenko for a package that includes draft selections. In pressure situations, GMs often prioritize roster upgrades that deliver immediate impact over conditional assets. That scenario could reopen talks that seemed closed just months ago.

Beyond Columbus, D’Amico flags Boston, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Calgary and Anaheim as clubs to monitor if their seasons start poorly. Early setbacks can force these organizations into difficult decisions about their playing roster. A struggling campaign could make those teams more willing to move established players for short‑term gains. Montreal would be wise to watch those markets, as a surge of available talent could be leveraged for a meaningful addition.