{"id":666257,"date":"2026-09-19T12:15:27","date_gmt":"2026-09-19T12:15:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/666257\/"},"modified":"2026-09-19T12:15:27","modified_gmt":"2026-09-19T12:15:27","slug":"blue-jackets-kirill-marchenko-non-committal-about-future-in-columbus-the-hockey-writers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rawchili.com\/nhl\/666257\/","title":{"rendered":"Blue Jackets’ Kirill Marchenko Non-Committal About Future in Columbus – The Hockey Writers –"},"content":{"rendered":"

Kirill Marchenko<\/a> was at the center of the hockey news cycle at the 2026 NHL Draft when a report from ESPN\u2019s Kevin Weekes<\/a> came out indicating the forward was not willing to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets<\/a>. On Friday at Training Camp, Marchenko spoke to the media for the first time since that report.<\/p>\n

While Marchenko didn\u2019t really say a lot, it was what was not said that stood out.<\/p>\n

Key Takeaways<\/p>\n

Marchenko tried his best to deflect questions about his future. He is at Blue Jackets camp in preparation for the upcoming season.<\/p>\n

Marchenko\u2019s focus remains on the ice. He is letting his representation handle the stuff off the ice.<\/p>\n

\u201cI play hockey,\u201d Marchenko said. \u201cLike, I can only talk about hockey. It\u2019s not my side, business side. It\u2019s on Don (Waddell) and Dan (Milstein) and they figure out everything. My goal is to be ready on the ice.\u201d <\/p>\n

\"KirillKirill Marchenko\u2019s focus is hockey and not what his future looks like. (Amy Irvin<\/a> \/ The Hockey Writers)<\/p>\n

Multiple attempts were made to get more information out. But it was crystal clear that Marchenko didn\u2019t want to divulge anything but instead opting to keep things quiet as much as possible.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s too many good questions right now,\u201d Marchenko said. I want to play hockey. That\u2019s what I can say right now \u2026 My goal (is) to be here eight in the morning, work on the practice, go back home, enjoy time with my wife, with my kids. It\u2019s all I can ask for.\u201d<\/p>\n

Marchenko did speak about how hard last season was. But he does see that as a positive moving forward looking at it as a learning experience.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s hard, but it\u2019s good for the future for sure,\u201d Marchenko said. \u201cIt\u2019s a mistake on us, on me probably. I don\u2019t have many goals the last 10 games. This mistake makes me better. And I\u2019m happy for that right now and I have another chance.\u201d<\/p>\n

Kirill Marchenko was asked if he wants to play hockey in Columbus.<\/p>\n

\u201cI want to play hockey. It\u2019s all I can say right now.\u201d<\/p>\n

Video below. #CBJ<\/a> pic.twitter.com\/XRiO6Adv1e<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) September 18, 2026<\/a> <\/p>\n

From talking with Marchenko\u2019s teammates and head coach Rick Bowness, everyone has been impressed with the Russian winger and his attitude at this early point in camp.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe\u2019s been great,\u201d Bowness said of Marchenko. \u201cI had a really good talk with him on Wednesday. I brought him into my office, we had a great sit-down, made it clear how important he is to our team. And I watch him in practice, he\u2019s working. He\u2019s the same Marchy as he was last year.\u201d <\/p>\n

\u201cSo all this other noise that\u2019s going on, I can\u2019t worry about that. He walks in the locker room, now he\u2019s mine. Now we work together and that\u2019s all I care about. His attitude\u2019s been great. His work ethic in practice has been great.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve got absolutely no complaints whatsoever.\u201d<\/p>\n

When asked what message Marchenko had for Blue Jackets fans wondering what will happen next, this was what he had to say.<\/p>\n

\u201cEnjoy the hockey and don\u2019t think about the future, about everything,\u201d Marchenko said. \u201cI appreciate it, everybody who is coming to the games watching me. (I) love everybody, love to play hockey and love (it) when they\u2019re enjoying (hockey.)\u201d<\/p>\n

Marchenko\u2019s message on Friday was simple. The only future he\u2019s willing to discuss is \u201cto be better than last year\u201d plus his family as his wife is expecting. As for the business side, that will be left to Waddell and Milstein to figure out what happens next.<\/p>\n

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