Restricted free agent forward Kirill Marchenko has committed his future to the Columbus Blue Jackets by signing a three-year, $11.55 million contract extension. The new deal will ensure that the 24-year-old stays with the team through the 2026-27 season, solidifying his role as a key player in the Blue Jackets roster.
A Promising Future
Marchenko, who recently completed his two-year entry-level deal, has emerged as a vital asset for the Blue Jackets. In the most recent season, he demonstrated his offensive prowess by tallying 42 points, comprised of 23 goals and 19 assists, over 78 games. This impressive performance has only solidified the Blue Jackets' faith in his potential.
"Kirill Marchenko has been an important player for the Blue Jackets during his first two NHL seasons and reaching an agreement to keep him in Columbus was important to us," said Columbus Blue Jackets President of Hockey Operations, Don Waddell. "He has size, skill, and the ability to score goals and will continue to be a big part of our core group moving forward."
A Stellar Rookie Season
During the 2022-23 season, Marchenko not only played in all but four regular season games but also led all Blue Jackets rookies with 23 goals. This level of performance for a player in just his second season is indicative of both his talent and his potential for growth in the NHL.
Drafted Talent
Marchenko's journey to the NHL began when he was selected in the second round of the 2018 NHL Draft. Since then, he has developed into a player who can make a significant impact on the ice. Over the span of 137 career games, Marchenko has accumulated a remarkable 67 points, with 44 goals and 23 assists, underscoring his consistent ability to find the back of the net.
Commitment to Development
The decision to extend Marchenko’s contract can be seen as a strategic move by the Columbus Blue Jackets to build a competitive team centered around young, talented players. At 24 years old, Marchenko is expected to become a cornerstone for the team, contributing both on the score sheet and as a physical presence on the ice.
Eyes on the Future
With this new contract, Kirill Marchenko is poised to continue his upward trajectory in the NHL, bringing excitement and enthusiasm to Columbus Blue Jackets fans. As the team looks forward to future seasons, Marchenko’s development and consistent performance will be critical to their success.
The Blue Jackets' strategy appears to be clear: invest in young talent and build a team that can compete at the highest level for years to come. With Marchenko on their side, the future looks bright for Columbus.