The Columbus Blue Jackets have reportedly negotiated with the restricted free agent forward. Kirill Marchenko Both short-term and long-term contracts (via Aaron Portsline of The Athletic). Marchenko is looking for a long-term deal, but Blue Jackets general manager Don Waddell Although only two months into his appointment, it appears he is doing his due diligence before considering signing the 23-year-old on a long-term basis.
Marchenko just finished his second NHL season, once again eclipsing the 20-goal mark. The former second-round draft pick finished 10th in Calder Trophy voting after recording 21 goals and four assists in 59 games during his rookie season. The Barnaul, Russia native discovered his passing game last season, finishing with 23 goals and 19 assists in 78 games.
Other Eastern Conference notes:
- The Athletic's Aaron Portzlein writes that the Columbus Blue Jackets have begun contract extension negotiations with some young players. Kent JohnsonThe Blue Jackets have been busy searching for a new coach and have prioritized that over an extension for Johnson, as the 21-year-old is not eligible for arbitration and contract negotiations were expected to be easy after a disappointing season in which he had just six goals and 10 assists in 42 games. Johnson, a former No. 5 overall pick, will likely seek a short-term deal to boost his reputation before his next contract.
- Sami Silver of The Hockey News believes the Washington Capitals will wait and see how their newly acquired forward performs. Andrew Mangiapane The Capitals will need to see if he fits into the lineup before making a decision about his future. The 28-year-old was acquired from the Calgary Flames on June 27 and has 35 goals in the past two seasons. The Toronto, Ontario native once looked like an up-and-coming goal scorer but has only managed 31 goals over the past two seasons.
