Kirill Marchenko Addresses Blue Jackets Future Amid NHL Trade Rumors After Agent's Comments

The Columbus Blue Jackets might have to continue dealing with more trade rumors amid the team's ongoing contract dispute with Adam Fantilli.

Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko did not answer definitively when asked Friday if he enjoyed playing in Columbus.

When asked if he "liked playing hockey here," Marchenko answered, "Yeah, I love to play hockey."

Marchenko was then asked to clarify on whether that applied "here."

"It's a good question," Marchenko said (around 3:20 mark in video). "I can say yes, because I play here for sure. But... I can answer only on the hockey."

Marchenko, a native Russian speaker, also noted he was not conducting the interview in his first language.

The comments came after Marchenko's agent told reporters earlier this offseason his client did not intend to re-sign with the Blue Jackets, per The Athletic's Aaron Portzline.

Marchenko is currently signed through the upcoming season and set to hit restricted free agency in 2027, per PuckPedia.

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This article will be updated soon to provide more information and analysis.

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