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The Kirill Marchenko trade rumors suddenly look much more interesting for the Montreal Canadiens, and the reason is the New York Islanders.
Elliotte Friedman reported on 32 Thoughts that Montreal has been involved around the Marchenko situation, but he also specifically identified the Islanders as another team that has been “around that.” That distinction matters. This is not confirmation that Montreal and New York have submitted competing trade offers, but it is the strongest indication yet that Columbus has more than one serious avenue to explore.
For Canadiens GM Kent Hughes, that potentially changes the equation. Marchenko isn’t a reclamation project or a player being dumped because of his contract. He scored 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season after producing 31 goals and 74 points the year before. Even more attractive: he carries only a $3.85 million cap hit for 2026-27 before becoming a restricted free agent.
My read is simple: the Islanders don’t necessarily make a Marchenko trade imminent, but they could make him considerably more expensive for Montreal.
Why the Islanders Change the Kirill Marchenko Trade Rumors
This storyline has been developing for months.
In July, RG.org reported through a source close to Marchenko that two NHL teams were discussing a potential trade and that negotiations had progressed. No transaction materialized, so that earlier report should not now be treated as evidence that a deal was completed or even inevitable. What it did establish was that teams were seriously exploring Marchenko’s availability.
Friedman’s latest information provides an important update.
The Montreal Canadiens are still connected to Marchenko, while the New York Islanders have now been specifically named as another interested club. Reports around Columbus also indicate that the Blue Jackets expect Marchenko at training camp and that a trade has not been considered imminent.
That is an important distinction for readers following the rumors: interest is confirmed; a bidding war is not.
But Columbus has every reason to encourage competition.
Marchenko has developed from a 42-point forward in 2023-24 into a legitimate first-line offensive weapon. His 2024-25 breakthrough produced 31 goals and 74 points, followed by another 67 points last season.
Kirill Marchenko: Three-Year Scoring Trend
Kirill Marchenko: Three-Year Scoring Trend
Marchenko has developed from a young goal scorer into a legitimate top-line offensive threat for the Columbus Blue Jackets.
The progression is why I would be extremely reluctant to call Marchenko simply a “67-point winger.” At 26, he has already shown a 30-goal ceiling, has generated 208 points in 292 NHL games and remains young enough to be part of an acquiring team’s long-term core.
Columbus Blue Jackets Have Almost No Reason to Sell Low
Don Waddell’s recent comments explain why the asking price is likely substantial.
Waddell reiterated that essentially “every player on my roster…is tradable,” but then emphasized the difficulty of removing Marchenko’s production when he costs only $3.85 million against the salary cap. Columbus isn’t searching merely for draft picks. Waddell has made clear that the Blue Jackets have to replace meaningful production if they move him.
That’s where this becomes challenging for both Montreal and New York.
A package built around distant draft picks may have considerable theoretical value, but it does little for Columbus next month. If Waddell moves a winger who has scored 58 goals over the past two seasons, he has to explain where those goals are coming from.
NHLTradeRumor.com Trade Value Index: Kirill Marchenko
Kirill Marchenko Trade Value Index
Model takeaway: Marchenko grades as a premium trade asset because elite cap efficiency is paired with proven top-six production. Columbus loses some leverage because of uncertainty surrounding his long-term future.
Important editorial note: the 88/100 figure is an original NHLTradeRumor.com analytical model, not a reported valuation from the Blue Jackets.
Canadiens vs. Islanders: Who Has the Salary-Cap Advantage?
Here’s where Montreal has a clear edge.
Current PuckPedia projections show the Canadiens with approximately $9.78 million in cap space, compared with approximately $4.16 million for the Islanders. Marchenko’s $3.85 million hit fits for either team on paper, but Montreal could absorb him and retain almost $6 million in projected flexibility. New York would be left with only about $310,000 before considering an outgoing contract or other roster maneuver.
Canadiens–Islanders Marchenko Salary-Cap Calculator
What Happens If They Trade for Kirill Marchenko?
2026-27 projected space before accounting for any outgoing player.
Montreal Canadiens
Current Space $9.78M
Marchenko Cap Hit − $3.85M
New York Islanders
Current Space $4.16M
Marchenko Cap Hit − $3.85M
That doesn’t mean Montreal automatically has the better trade offer. Cap flexibility and asset value are two different things.
But Montreal has the ability to execute a Marchenko trade without immediately creating another cap problem. New York has much less margin for error.
Why Montreal Shouldn’t Let the Islanders Dictate the Price
This is where Kent Hughes has to remain disciplined.
The Islanders’ involvement should not convince the Canadiens to blindly escalate their offer. Marchenko would be an excellent fit alongside Montreal’s young core, but his next contract matters almost as much as the acquisition cost.
Marchenko becomes an RFA after this season, with PuckPedia listing his UFA year as 2028. Any team paying a premium package should have reasonable confidence it can keep him beyond one season.
My observation is that Montreal’s strongest advantage isn’t simply its prospect pool. It’s optionality. Hughes can absorb Marchenko’s contract, negotiate from a position of cap flexibility and walk away if Waddell’s price becomes irrational.
The Islanders change the pressure, but they shouldn’t change Montreal’s valuation.
For Columbus, though, this is almost an ideal trade-market development. If the Canadiens want Marchenko and the Islanders are legitimately interested, Waddell can make both front offices wonder whether waiting another day means losing the player.
That’s how an NHL bidding war begins.
We’re just not at the point where we can say one officially exists yet.
Earlier Kirill Marchenko Trade Report: What Has Actually Been Confirmed?
The July report that Marchenko was nearing a trade has not resulted in an actual transaction. What has subsequently been confirmed is that multiple teams have remained engaged around the player, with Friedman specifically connecting both Montreal and New York to the situation.
That makes the underlying trade interest look more credible, but the “imminent trade” portion of the earlier storyline has not yet proved accurate. Marchenko remains with Columbus heading toward training camp.
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