Kirill Marchenko trade talks heat up as Original Six team is reportedly in advanced negotiations with Columbus
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Boston holds the best offer for Kirill Marchenko as trade talks with Columbus heat up, and a deal could come together soon.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Boston Bruins are reportedly deep in talks over a trade that would send winger Kirill Marchenko to Boston, according to a report from social media insider Hockeyy Insiderr.
The report claims Boston currently holds the strongest offer among several interested teams, and a deal could come together soon.
Marchenko, 26, is entering the final season of a three year, $11.55 million contract that carries a $3.85 million cap hit.
He is set to become a restricted free agent next summer if Columbus does not lock him up before then, fueling speculation about his long term future with the club.
Marchenko has emerged as one of Columbus most reliable offensive weapons over the past few seasons.
He posted 67 points on 27 goals and 40 assists in 76 games last season, following a 74 point campaign the year before.
He has led the Blue Jackets in goals for three consecutive seasons, making him a coveted trade chip for any contender looking to bolster its top six.
Why Boston makes sense as a landing spot
For a Bruins team searching for another dynamic scoring winger, Marchenko would represent a clear upgrade to their middle six forward group.
His combination of size, shooting ability and scoring touch fits the profile general manager Don Sweeney has targeted this offseason, and his contract remains team friendly for now.
While multiple clubs remain engaged in discussions, the latest chatter suggests Boston has separated itself from the pack.
Columbus general manager Don Waddell has previously downplayed trade rumors surrounding Marchenko, insisting the winger would remain with the team into the season.
What comes next for both sides
Nothing is finalized, and front offices around the league will be watching closely as talks progress.
If Boston does land Marchenko, it would mark one of the more significant moves this season and reshape the forward mix on both rosters heading into the stretch run.
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