Kirill Marchenko Commits to Columbus with Three-Year Extension
In a significant move, the Columbus Blue Jackets have secured the services of restricted free agent forward Kirill Marchenko with a three-year, $11.55 million contract extension. This deal ensures that Marchenko will remain an integral part of the Blue Jackets roster through the 2026-27 NHL season. The 24-year-old forward has quickly become a pivotal player for the franchise, showcasing both talent and potential in his initial seasons.
Marchenko’s ascension in the NHL has been nothing short of impressive. Selected in the second round of the 2018 NHL draft, he has proven his worth on the ice with consistent performances. Over the course of 137 career games, Marchenko has tallied 67 points, which includes a significant 44 goals and 23 assists. His last season was particularly noteworthy, as he recorded 42 points from 23 goals and 19 assists across 78 games. Additionally, Marchenko’s ability to remain durable and reliable is highlighted by his participation in all but four regular season games during the 2022-23 campaign.
For the Blue Jackets, securing Marchenko’s extension was a priority. President of Hockey Operations, Don Waddell, emphasized the player’s importance to the team's future. "Kirill Marchenko has been an important player for the Blue Jackets during his first two NHL seasons and reaching an agreement to keep him in Columbus was important to us," Waddell said.
This new contract comes on the heels of Marchenko concluding his two-year entry-level deal at the end of the previous season. His rookie performance was particularly remarkable as he led all Blue Jackets rookies with 23 goals, showcasing not just his scoring prowess but also his potential for future development. Recognizing his size, skillset, and goal-scoring ability, Waddell noted, "He has size, skill and the ability to score goals and will continue to be a big part of our core group moving forward."
As Marchenko embarks on this new chapter with the Blue Jackets, the team and fans alike have high expectations. His performance thus far indicates that he has the makings of a player who can contribute significantly to the team's success. As the Blue Jackets continue to build their core, Marchenko’s presence is undoubtedly a valuable asset, promising exciting seasons ahead for the Columbus faithful.