The Montreal Canadiens may not be finished pursuing Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko despite failing to land him earlier this offseason.
NHL analyst Marco D’Amico believes changing circumstances around the league could reopen trade discussions before the season or closer to the deadline.
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Speaking on The Starr & D’Amico Show, D’Amico explained why Montreal’s opportunity could return if struggling teams change direction. He said, “It seems across the league, according to my conversations, that nobody’s really looking for futures. They’re looking for player-for-player deals.”
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The Canadiens aggressively targeted Marchenko after reports suggested he would not sign a long-term extension with Columbus. However, Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell later stated the winger would remain with the team entering the season.
Marchenko is entering the final year of his three-year, $11.55 million contract. He produced 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games during the 2025-26 season while leading Columbus with a plus-seven rating.
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Montreal, meanwhile, finished 48-24-10 for 106 points before reaching the Eastern Conference Final. The Canadiens ranked seventh in the NHL with 283 goals, but they still seek another proven top-six forward alongside Nick Suzuki and Cole Caufield.
D’Amico believes job security could become a major factor across the NHL trade market in the upcoming season. He said, “There are a lot of teams under pressure right now,” while mentioning that several executives are entering the season facing significant expectations.
“You’re going to see it,” D’Amico said, while mentioning how a new GM could be willing to accept a package around futures. “It’s going to happen this season, where there are a couple of GMs on the hot seat.”
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D’Amico specifically pointed toward Columbus and Waddell, saying, “One of them is definitely Don Waddell, which is why the Canadiens zeroed in on Kirill Marchenko.”
That reasoning carries weight. General managers under pressure often prioritize immediate roster upgrades instead of future draft picks. So, if Waddell gets fired, the new general manager might consider Montreal’s package consisting of picks for Marchenko.
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D’Amico also expects movement elsewhere around the league. He identified Boston, Pittsburgh, Vancouver, Calgary and Anaheim as teams worth monitoring if seasons begin poorly. He believes those changing situations could eventually benefit Montreal.
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D’Amico concluded, “There’s going to be a lot of change, I find. And that’s where it will leave the Canadiens open to being able to pounce if they haven’t completed a trade between now and then.”
For Montreal, patience could become its biggest asset if the market shifts during the season.
