Rising star potentially forcing way out of Columbus

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Ryan Hall
July 20, 2024 (1:34 PM)

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Aaron Portzline of the Athletic commented on a potential exit for rising star Krill Marchenko from the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Marchenko was drafted in 2018 by the Blue Jackets, second round 49th overall. Standing at six foot 3 and 187 lbs, the right winger has been growing in popularity with the Blue Jackets along with his point totals.

In his second year with the Blue Jackets he played 78 games, scoring 23 goals with 19 assists for 42 points. He is the current restricted free agent and has arbitration rights which could go in his favor. Things have changed in Columbus as Don Waddell who was the previous general manager of the Carolina Hurricanes has joined the Columbus Blue Jackets organization as their president and general manager.

That player of his caliber and age certainly has significant interest amongst other NHL teams including sending an offer sheet to Waddell to take him out of the lineup.

With his arbitration hearing set for July 31st, both sides still have cards to play. It's likely Waddell and Marchenko will attempt to make a deal within the next several weeks, however, if things continue to go sideways there is a possibility he may sit out at the beginning of the year or worse be traded from the team.