Kirill Marchenko: Teams the Canadiens Need to Watch

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Kirill Marchenko: Teams the Canadiens Need to Watch
Credit: Capture d'écran/Twitter

Today is June 29. In two days, the free agency market will open.

We'll obviously be keeping an eye on whether Kent Hughes manages to make any moves by then. After all, even if the free-agent market isn't the strongest in 2026, it still helps solidify a few teams.

Making moves right after that isn't as easy. Not impossible, of course… but not as easy.

One name that continues to be mentioned in rumors is Kirill Marchenko. Word on the street is that the Canadiens remain at the center of the situation.

On draft day, it was reported that the Canadiens had submitted a massive offer for the Russian player. And judging by Kent Hughes' comments after the draft, the fact that he used his first-round pick won't stop him from making a move—if he wants to—when the time comes.

But the Blue Jackets, who aren't necessarily looking to trade Marchenko right now, aren't going to give him away to just anyone. Especially if there's a bidding war.

Because, aside from the Canadiens, other teams are in the mix. We knew the Mammoth were keeping tabs on the situation, but now the Kraken have also been mentioned in connection with the deal by Elliotte Friedman.

The insider, who discussed this on the 32 Thoughts Podcast, didn't name any other clubs, but it seems that other team executives are keeping tabs on the situation.

That's to be expected.

The player is reportedly seeking $11 million per year, and we know the Kraken is more than willing to offer that kind of deal to a player who's worth it. After all, Artemi Panarin ($14 million) and Jason Robertson ($15 million) turned down a hefty annual salary from the Kraken in 2026.

The Seattle club isn't afraid to pay a high price to acquire a player before offering him a big contract. And I imagine Kent Hughes knows that very well. #Competition


In a Nutshell

– Contract in Buffalo.

– Where will Sergei Bobrovsky sign?

– He was high on the Canadiens' list.

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!