Columbus Blue Jackets Re-Sign Kirill Marchenko to 3-Year Contract – Hockey Writers – NHL News

Marchenko's Performance and Why His Contract Is Worth It

Marchenko, coming off his second NHL campaign, has improved significantly. He was a standout player in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and has brought that production to North America. In 2023-24, he had 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points spread over 78 contests. His two-way game was solid, so the payday makes sense.

Upping his production from 25 points in 59 games last season, Marenko could be looking for a breakout campaign in 2024-25. That may have to come with an increase in ice time, as he sat in the low 16-minute range per game in 2022-23 and last season. Regardless, as a second-line forward, Marchenko is one of the better players at that position in the NHL. As a growth area, this deal could be a steal but could come with a huge extension if it goes well.

Fits Columbus

As mentioned earlier, Marchenko is likely to stay in the top six with around 16 minutes of ice time but could step up the line and get quality minutes in 2024-25. If he was on the top line, he would play a lot with someone like Johnny Gaudreau. Even if the latter is having a down season by his standards, the two have a combined-7 average when they are on the ice together at 5-on-5 (with 168:27 of ice time). Maybe those two can play something else—only time will tell, though.

Right now, Columbus' depth at right wing is decent but could be better. Dmitri Voronkov and Yegor Chinakhov are both good young players, but their youth has earned Marchenko the trust of new coach Dean Evason.