Blue Jackets Weigh Marchenko Trade; Wild Give Hughes Time on Extension
The Blue Jackets are reportedly open to trading Kirill Marchenko before Thursday's season opener, but GM Don Waddell wants an immediate scoring forward rather than picks or prospects. Marchenko is a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer, so Columbus can wait for a better offer. Minnesota GM Bill Guerin said he is not pressuring Quinn Hughes to sign an extension, with Hughes eligible for unrestricted free agency next July.
Columbus has set a high price for Kirill Marchenko, preferring an established scorer over future assets. The 26-year-old winger appears unlikely to stay long term, but his restricted free-agent status with arbitration rights next summer gives the club leverage and time. No rival offer has yet satisfied GM Don Waddell, who is listening rather than actively pursuing deals before Thursday’s opener against Buffalo.
Minnesota’s Quinn Hughes is unsigned beyond this season. GM Bill Guerin said he is giving the 26-year-old defenseman room to decide, noting family considerations and comparing the situation to Kirill Kaprizov’s extension talks. Hughes can become unrestricted next July, and speculation links him to New Jersey, though a strong Wild season could change his thinking.
The Marchenko and Hughes situations may shape how fans follow their teams, how teammates prepare, and how rival clubs plan. A trade or extension could shift competitive balance, ticket demand, merchandise interest, and media attention in Columbus, Minnesota, and possibly New Jersey. For players and families, uncertainty may influence career and lifestyle decisions. The outcome could also affect how other NHL clubs approach restricted free agents and star extensions.