Kirill Marchenko is expected to remain with Rick Bowness and Columbus, cooling one of Montreal's more intriguing summer trade possibilities.
Blue Jackets reporter Aaron Portzline said he doesn't expect Columbus to make a move involving Marchenko right now, with the expectation being that the winger stays for the season.
That's a meaningful development for the Canadiens. Marchenko had been linked repeatedly to Montreal as Kent Hughes searched for another impact forward, but an immediate opening now looks far less likely.
The intrigue hasn't disappeared completely. The bigger question surrounding Marchenko is what happens beyond this season, especially if Columbus can't secure the commitment it wants from him.
The report indicates Marchenko may prefer to wait until July 1 before making his next contractual decision. That creates risk for Columbus even if keeping him is the choice today.
For Montreal, waiting around isn't much of a strategy. Hughes has other roster needs to address, and he can't build the rest of his summer around the possibility that Marchenko becomes available later.
" "I don't think they're gonna do anything right now, I think the expectation is that he'll be here this season," he said. "
-
Blue Jackets' position on Kirill Marchenko emerges amid blockbuster trade buzz
Don Waddell's reported stance also tells interested teams something important: Columbus isn't behaving like a club desperate to move its winger before training camp.
That changes the leverage in any trade discussion. Montreal would have to convince the Blue Jackets to abandon their current plan rather than simply step into an auction for a player already being shopped.
The Canadiens also need to be careful with the price. Michael Hage has already been floated by fans as the type of premium young asset Columbus could target, but there is no reported package involving him.
That's an important distinction. Marchenko being linked to Montreal doesn't mean Hughes should sacrifice one of his best prospects simply to force a deal that Columbus doesn't appear motivated to make.
The more interesting window could arrive later. If Marchenko reaches the season without a new agreement and Columbus becomes less confident about its long-term position, Waddell's options could change quickly.
Until then, Bowness gets to plan with Marchenko in his lineup while Montreal turns toward other possibilities. That's a much cleaner position for Columbus entering camp.
The Canadiens haven't necessarily lost their chance at Marchenko. They've lost the sense that something needs to happen now, and that could send Hughes searching elsewhere before the season begins.
Source : Blue Jackets reportedly make a decision on Kirill Marchenko amid Canadiens rumors
Should Montreal refuse to include Michael Hage in any Kirill Marchenko trade?
Also read on Markerzone.com:
Elias Pettersson training clip fuels Canucks backlash
