Kirill Marchenko Trade Talks Heat Up: Don Waddell Must Avoid Kirby Dach

The Columbus Blue Jackets continue to generate buzz in the NHL trade market, particularly surrounding the future of winger Kirill Marchenko. Recent reports from Daria Tuboltseva of RG.org indicate that Marchenko is likely to be traded soon, with two teams vying for his services. Montreal has reportedly been pursuing the young forward for weeks, while Utah has also emerged as a potential suitor.

A source close to Marchenko revealed to @TheRGMedia that he is “essentially between two teams right now,” emphasizing that Montreal remains very much in the hunt. As speculation mounts about what a potential trade could look like, fans and analysts have begun to ponder what the Blue Jackets might seek in return.

In discussions about possible trade packages, names like David Reinbacher and Michael Hage frequently surface. However, the name that keeps cropping up—and raises concern—is Kirby Dach. If Dach’s name enters the conversation, Blue Jackets GM Don Waddell should not hesitate to hang up the phone. There should be no debate on this point.

Dach, the former third overall pick in the 2019 NHL Draft by the Chicago Blackhawks, has seen his career take some unexpected turns. After 152 games in Chicago, he was traded to Montreal for a first-round pick in the 2022 NHL Draft and a third-round pick. Since joining the Canadiens, he has played in 154 games, scoring 32 goals and accumulating 77 points. His most productive season came during his first year in Montreal, where he netted 14 goals and recorded 38 points.

Despite his talent, Dach has not yet lived up to expectations for a player selected third overall, leading some Canadiens fans to speculate whether GM Kent Hughes might look to offload his $3.6 million salary, which is set to expire after next season. However, Waddell must remain steadfast in not accepting salary dumps in any trade involving Marchenko.

Waddell has made it clear that he is looking for NHL-ready players who can seamlessly fill the void left by departing talent. While it’s unrealistic to expect Montreal to part with any of their top-line players for Marchenko, players like Reinbacher or a promising prospect like Hage would represent a much more fitting return.

Ultimately, Kirby Dach should not be included in any deal for Kirill Marchenko. As trade discussions unfold, the Blue Jackets will need to navigate these waters carefully, ensuring they get the best value for their growing star.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.