Kirill Marchenko vents frustration over Columbus Blue Jackets' lack of 'worthy' offers following $1.85M contract expiry

By Srihari Anand

Modified Jul 24, 2024 15:07 GMT

Kirill Marchenko had a strong 2023-24 season for the Columbus Blue Jackets. In the 78 games that he played, the 24-year-old Russian winger had 42 points from 23 goals and 19 assists.

Marchenko signed a two-year, $1.85M contract with the Columbus Blue Jackets in May 2022, which now makes him a restricted free agent. However, 21 days into the 2024-25 NHL free agency, the young winger is yet to receive any 'worthy' offers from the team under the new leadership of General Manager Don Wadell.

Venting his frustrations regarding contract extension talks with the team, Kirill Marchenko opened up in an interview with Responsible Gambling's Daria Tuboltseva. He disclosed his contract arbitration is scheduled for July 31, but also expressed disinterest in having the extension talks reach arbitration. He said,

"I'm not worried; I just don't want to go to Toronto [for the hearing]," Marchenko stated. "If we don't reach an agreement before that date, it would be better if I flew to the hearing. If necessary, I will go to arbitration."

The intentions of the Columbus Blue Jackets regarding Marchenko's future with the team are unknown. Regardless, the Russian winger does not have any specific requirements and is open to either long-term or a bridge deal. He speculated talks may speed up between the two parties next week, just days before the scheduled arbitration ruling.

Columbus Blue Jackets recently brought on a new general manager in Don Waddell. Marchenko said he has not yet spoken with the new GM, and expressed his reservations regarding Waddell. He said,

"I don't know him personally, and I'm unsure how he'll fit into the team."

Kirill Marchenko was also unsure of his exact commitment to the team and said it depended on the offer from the organization. He expressed his frustration with the extension offers, and said,

"I haven't received any worthy offers yet, so I can't say for sure. Regarding deadline and money, things are progressing slowly."

Kirill Marchenko had mixed feelings about recently fired head coach Pascal Vincent

Kirill Marchenko and the Columbus Blue Jackets had a very shaky offseason before the start of the 2023-24 season. Despite his controversial history and questionable coaching tactics, they had brought on Mike Babcock as the franchise's new head coach.

This soon backfired as Mike Babcock was embroiled in yet another controversy, for allegedly demanding to go through a player's phone during a team meeting. Blue Jackets fired Babcock and named Pascal Vincent as his replacement, giving him his first shot at leading an NHL team.

Kirill Marchenko did not hold back his true feelings regarding his time with Vincent, who was recently fired from his position. He said,

"My experience with Pascal Vincent is mixed, I'd say. Sometimes I was scratched, and that wasn't something I was happy about. No player would be."

Despite having his reservations about Vincent, Marchenko praised his ex-head coach and said,

"But overall, Vincent has his vision and goals and seems to be doing well. He loves hockey and is passionate about his job. He's proactive and has a desire to improve. That's what makes him a good leader."