NHL Rumor Roundup: What Will The Blue Jackets Do With Zach Werenski And Kirill Marchenko?

The Columbus Blue Jackets were hit by a double whammy on Friday when reports emerged claiming defenseman Zach Werenski and right winger Kirill Marchenko weren't interested in signing contract extensions.

Werenski, 28, is the Blue Jackets' best player and their first-ever winner of the Norris Trophy. His current contract expires in 2028, but the Jackets could sign him to an extension as early as next July.

There Has To Be Something Deeper Going On With Kirill Marchenko

What's up with Kirill Marchenko?

As for Marchenko, the 25-year-old is eligible to become an RFA with arbitration rights next July. The Blue Jackets could sign him to an extension as early as Wednesday.

However, ESPN's Kevin Weekes reported Friday that Marchenko's camp informed him that he's also unlikely to sign an extension.

Marchenko is currently earning an average annual value of $3.85 million. Weekes said the right winger's representatives would seek a deal comparable to Pavel Dorofeyev's new seven-year contract with an $11-million cap hit that he signed with the New York Rangers last Friday.

According to LeBrun, Marchenko hasn't requested a trade and is willing to play next season and the season afterward, as the Blue Jackets would still control his rights for 2027-28. He also reports that Waddell has no intention of trading him.

Nevertheless, several teams reportedly expressed interest in Marchenko last week, including the Montreal Canadiens. They could keep tabs on this situation in case Waddell changes his mind.

Whatever happens next, the fact that Werenski and Marchenko intend to move on once their contracts are completed is a gut punch to the Blue Jackets and their fans. This comes at a time when management was attempting to build up the roster in the hope of getting over the playoff hump next season.

Werenski and Marchenko could both be in the Blue Jackets lineup next season if Waddell doesn't receive any trade offers to his liking. Nevertheless, questions about their futures will be an unwelcome distraction for this club.

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This story was originally published June 29, 2026 at 10:46 AM.