Kirill Marchenko was a participant in Day 2 of Columbus Blue Jackets training camp despite publicly indicating he does not intend to re-sign with the team once his contract is up.
But when pressed about his future in Ohio, the team's leading goal-scorer over the past three seasons gave little information to ease the anxiety of Blue Jackets fans.
“I play hockey. I can talk only about hockey," Marchenko told reporters on Friday. It’s not my side, the business side. It’s on (Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell) and (agent Dan Milstein), and they figure out everything. My goal is to be ready on the ice.”
Marchenko still has one year remaining on his three-year, $11.5-million contract he signed in June 2024. Marchenko will be an RFA once his deal expires at the end of this season.
The Blue Jackets already had a scare this off-season as rumours circulated star defenceman Zach Werenski wanted out. The reigning Norris Trophy winner has since reiterated his desire to stay a Blue Jacket, but Marchenko isn't ready to offer up similar platitudes.
"Oh, too many good questions right now,” Marchenko said when asked if Columbus is where he wants to play. “I want to play hockey. That’s what I can say right now. I don’t want to give you guys a lot of things. I love my teammates, I love to enjoy the practices, enjoy the hockey … It’s my favourite thing in the world. I just do my job."
"I can say yes because I play here for sure," Marchenko continued. "But you know … I can answer only (about) hockey. I don’t want to say some things and give you bad information. My English (may) not (be) so good; I can say something wrong, and everybody will think differently. But I really love fans here, and I appreciate everybody.”
For his part, Waddell told reporters that he sat down for a 45-minute chat with the 26-year-old winger, who vowed to "work his butt off" this season, regardless of speculation.
"My goal is to be here at 8 in the morning, practice, work hard, go home. That’s all I can do. That is my life. That’s all I can do, and that’s all I can say for you right now. (Waddell and Milstein) will figure out everything. My goal is to be protected and safe at home with my wife," said Marchenko.
In 76 games last season, the Russian had 27 goals and 67 points. He reached career highs across the board in 2024-25, posting 31 goals, 43 assists and 74 points in 79 games.
