Kirill Marchenko is expected to stay with Rick Bowness as Columbus pushes trade talk aside before camp.
Aaron Portzline said he doesn't expect the Blue Jackets to make a move involving Marchenko right now.
The current expectation is that the winger will remain in Columbus this season, cooling weeks of speculation around his future.
Marchenko was previously linked to Montreal, while one report suggested Columbus had reached the final stages of trade discussions with another club.
Portzline repeatedly pushed back against those claims. His latest comments give the clearest indication yet that Don Waddell plans to keep the forward.
Marchenko scored 27 goals and collected 67 points across 76 games last season, making him one of the Blue Jackets' most productive forwards.
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" Aaron Portzline: Re Kirill Marchenko future/Blue Jackets: I don't think they're gonna do anything right now, I think the expectation is that he'll be here this season - DLLS Stars Podcast (7/27) "
Kirill Marchenko's future decided as Blue Jackets make major call
Keeping him gives Bowness an established top-six winger who can finish chances and support a power play expected to take another step.
The contract question remains unresolved. Marchenko carries a $3,850,000 cap hit through 2026-27 before becoming a restricted free agent with arbitration rights.
Portzline also suggested Marchenko may wait until after July 1 next summer before committing to a new agreement, using the calendar to strengthen his negotiating position.
That creates a different kind of pressure for Waddell. Columbus can keep Marchenko now, but another strong season could drive his next price much higher.
The Blue Jackets also have several young forwards approaching expensive negotiations. Adam Fantilli, Kent Johnson and Dmitri Voronkov will shape how much money remains available around the core.
A trade this summer would have created immediate uncertainty for a club trying to stay in the Eastern Conference playoff race. Holding Marchenko protects the lineup and gives Columbus more time.
But the noise won't disappear permanently. If contract talks stall or the Blue Jackets fall out of contention, Marchenko's name could return before the trade deadline.
For now, Columbus appears ready to keep one of its best scorers. Marchenko enters the season with a major role, a rising price and another chance to force the Blue Jackets into a difficult long-term decision.
Will the Blue Jackets regret keeping Kirill Marchenko without an extension?
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