Montreal insider says Canadiens built to acquire Kirill Marchenko

The Montreal Canadiens remain linked to Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko despite conflicting trade reports. Montreal Gazette’s Stu Cowan said he thinks the Canadiens have the assets to complete a major deal if one becomes available.

Speaking on “The Sick Podcast,” Cowan compared a potential Marchenko trade to the Matthew Knies rumors in NHL circles.

“I think it would be a similar package to what was reported in the Matthew Knies deal, right?” Cowan said. “It was, I think, Zharovsky, another prospect, and a first-round pick. So it would be a similar type of package.”

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Cowan explained why Montreal is in a strong position, saying, “The Canadiens are in a good position where they have a lot of draft picks and young prospects that other teams would be interested in.”

He also pointed to general manager Kent Hughes’ patience.

“That’s one of the reasons the Canadiens are in such a good position to make a move and also why I don’t think Kent Hughes has to rush into doing anything and can wait to make the best deal,” he said.

Marchenko enters the final season of his three-year, $11.55 million contract carrying a $3.85 million cap hit. The 26-year-old will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. He has recorded 141 points over the past two seasons, including 74 points in 2024-25 and 67 points in 2025-26. So, the interest is understandable.

Canadiens can afford to wait for right opportunity

Trade speculation intensified after RG.org’s Daria Tuboltseva reported Marchenko was “essentially between two teams.” Marco D’Amico added that Montreal remained heavily involved.

However, Columbus pushed back quickly. Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell and Marchenko’s agent, Dan Milstein, both dismissed the reports.

Cowan still said Montreal’s rebuild has created the flexibility needed for a significant addition.

“I’d be really surprised if we don’t see a trade,” he said.

He also referenced last summer’s Noah Dobson acquisition.

“That’s what they’ve done since this rebuild started: asset management and acquiring as many pieces as they could, whether draft picks or young players,” Cowan said.

“Now we’re seeing the fruition of that, where the Canadiens are in a position to trade for the players they want and need to push this rebuild forward.”