On July 28, 2024, the Columbus Blue Jackets prolonged 24-year-old winger Kirill Marchenko to a three-year deal price $3.85 million every season. He shall be a restricted free agent (RFA) when the contract expires following the 2026-27 season.
Marchenko’s Play & Why His Contract Is Deserved
Marchenko, coming off of his sophomore marketing campaign within the NHL, has progressed properly. He was a standout prospect within the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL) and has introduced that manufacturing over to North America. In 2023-24, he had 23 targets and 19 assists for 42 factors unfold throughout 78 contests. His two-way play was strong, so the payday is smart.
Growing his manufacturing from 25 factors in 59 video games the season earlier than, Marchenko might be eyeing a breakout marketing campaign in 2024-25. Which may have to return with a rise in ice time, seeing as he sat within the low 16-minute vary on a per-game foundation in each 2022-23 and final season. Regardless, as a second-line ahead, Marchenko is among the higher gamers at that place within the NHL. With room to develop, this deal might be a steal however would possibly include an enormous extension if it pans out nicely.
Match with Columbus
As talked about earlier than, Marchenko is more likely to stay within the high six with round 16 minutes of ice time however might transfer up the lineup and get some high quality minutes in 2024-25. If he have been on the highest line, he might play extra with somebody like Johnny Gaudreau. Regardless that the latter had a down season to his requirements, the 2 had a plus-7 score when on the ice collectively at 5-on-5 (in 168:27 of ice time). Maybe that duo might play some extra—solely time will inform, although.
As of now, Columbus’ depth in the appropriate wing is respectable however might actually be higher. Dmitri Voronkov and Yegor Chinakhov are each good younger gamers, however their youth makes it so Marchenko might be relied on by new head coach Dean Evason.
