Kirill Marchenko Case: Don Waddell Provides an Update

Marc-Olivier Cook
Kirill Marchenko Case: Don Waddell Provides an Update
Credit: Capture d'écran | NHL.com

Things are happening in Columbus today.

Adam Fantilli has signed his contract: now, all eyes are on Kirill Marchenko… because we know his situation.

And speaking of which, Don Waddell has provided an update on that very matter.

Basically, the Jackets' GM said he wasn't going to shop his player around. If a team wants him… all they have to do is call and make an offer. And on that note, Waddell said he wouldn't accept future assets in a trade.

Waddell also stated that Marchenko could remain in Columbus if the Blue Jackets don't receive the offer they're looking for… 

Keep in mind that Marchenko is in the final year of his contract… but he'll be a restricted free agent next summer.

That said, if Waddell doesn't want to trade him for future assets, he'll have to pull a rabbit out of a hat… because the Jackets, with Fantilli's signing, are $1.2 million over the salary cap.

And trading away Marchenko's contract ($3.85 million) isn't going to help. Waddell wants established players: he'll have to free up salary cap space to facilitate a trade because good, established players don't earn less than $3.85 million per season…

This is all going to get interesting—and pretty quickly, too.

It remains to be seen whether the Canadiens will be able to take advantage of the situation to land a player who would be such a great fit for Montreal's top-6…


Quick Thoughts

– Not bad.

– Speaking of which.

– Now that's television!

facebook icon Share twitter icon Tweet linkedin icon Share
Copied!