Marchenko Sidesteps Questions About His Blue Jackets Future

Kirill Marchenko was on the ice for Day 2 of Columbus Blue Jackets training camp, and he was not interested in talking about anything else.

Asked Friday whether Columbus is where he wants to play long term, the 26-year-old winger deflected. "Oh, too many good questions right now," Marchenko said. "I want to play hockey. That's what I can say right now. I don't want to give you guys a lot of things. I love my teammates, I love to enjoy the practices, enjoy the hockey... It's my favourite thing in the world. I just do my job."

He pushed the rest toward the people paid to handle it. "I play hockey. I can talk only about hockey," he said. "It's not my side, the business side. It's on (general manager Don Waddell) and (agent Dan Milstein), and they figure out everything. My goal is to be ready on the ice."

The backdrop: Marchenko has publicly indicated he does not intend to re-sign in Columbus once his contract expires. He has one year left on the three-year deal that runs through this season and will be a restricted free agent at the end of this season.

Waddell said he met with Marchenko for about 45 minutes, and that the winger vowed to work hard this season regardless of the speculation. Marchenko framed his days simply. "My goal is to be here at 8 in the morning, practice, work hard, go home. That's all I can do. That is my life."

He did offer one line for the building. "I can say yes because I play here for sure," he said, before adding that he did not want to be misunderstood. "My English (may) not (be) so good; I can say something wrong, and everybody will think differently. But I really love fans here, and I appreciate everybody."

Marchenko had 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season. He set career highs in 2024-25 with 31 goals, 43 assists and 74 points in 79 games.

Columbus already went through one summer of uncertainty when rumors circulated that defenseman Zach Werenski wanted out. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has since said he wants to stay. Marchenko is not saying the same thing yet.