Rick Bowness no longer wants Kirill Marchenko in Columbus

Charles-Alexis Brisebois
Rick Bowness no longer wants Kirill Marchenko in Columbus
Credit: Dave Reginek/NHLI via Getty Images

The situation is getting out of hand in Columbus.

This morning, Rick Bowness was the focus of an article published by The Athletic (Aaron Portzline) about the Blue Jackets. It was a Q&A session with the coach.

And let's just say there's a lot to learn from it.

It starts with the reporter asking whether the summer of 2026—due to Zach Werenski, Adam Fantilli, and Kirill Marchenko—was a turbulent one for the team.

The coach replies that it wasn't, since Werenski wants to stay and Fantilli is going to sign. And he added this, which speaks… volumes.

“As for the rest… we're no different from other teams. The only guys you want on your team are the ones who want to be here.” – Rick Bowness (who, it seems, no longer wants Marchenko)

Bowness, who doesn't think his outburst in front of the media at the end of the season will have a negative impact in the locker room, also said he's spoken with Werenski recently, but not really with Marchenko.

He spoke with him a little, but that's about it. He says that aside from the rumors, he isn't alarmed by anything else. In other words? Marchenko will be a pro as long as he's here.

But in my view, the coach's quote speaks volumes. After all, we know the player isn't exactly lining up to sign a long-term contract with the Blue Jackets.

That's why the rumors just won't die down.

Keep in mind that Don Waddell, who is in control of this situation in a way I've rarely seen a GM be in control of a situation, knows full well that September 15 is the last day to offer an eight-year contract—with bonuses that are more favorable to the players.

Will that prompt the team to trade him today, if it could help secure a better return? I'm not exactly holding my breath, but it's a scenario to keep in mind since things can escalate quickly.


In a nutshell

– Well done.

– When will Cutter Gauthier sign a contract?

– Contract in Minnesota.

– Yes.

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