Buffalo’s search for one more big swing this summer has put an old familiar name back in the conversation.
Sabres general manager Jarmo Kekalainen was in Columbus when the Blue Jackets took Kirill Marchenko with the No. 49 overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft, and now he may be eyeing the winger again as he looks to finish off an otherwise productive offseason. Marchenko has surfaced in trade chatter throughout the summer, and RG’s Daria Tuboltseva recently reported that sources close to the player believe a deal could come together in the “near future.”
“Kirill is essentially between two teams right now,” a source told Tuboltseva. “The parties are now negotiating the terms of the trade.”
That said, the noise hasn’t turned into a done deal yet. Aaron Portzline of The Athletic pushed back on the idea that something is close, saying “there's nothing happening” imminently, while also adding: “Not saying it can't change later this summer.”
Even with that uncertainty, Buffalo has reasons to keep watching. One of the teams most often tied to Marchenko is the Montreal Canadiens, an Atlantic Division rival for the Sabres and the club that eliminated them in the second round of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs. That alone could give Buffalo a little extra motivation as it tries to stay ahead in what looks like a crowded Eastern Conference race heading into the 2026-27 season.
The fit on the ice is obvious. After Alex Tuch left for the Washington Capitals in a sign-and-trade deal once it became clear he would not re-sign, Buffalo has a clear opening for another proven top-six scorer. Marchenko would bring exactly that after posting a career-high 31 goals for Columbus in 2024-25 and piling up 141 points in 155 games over the last two seasons.
He also lines up neatly with where the Sabres are trying to go. There’s plenty of buzz among fans about making a real push after finally ending a 14-year playoff drought, but Kekalainen has been careful not to chase a quick fix. The message since he took over the front office in December has been about building something that lasts, not mortgaging the future for a short burst.
That’s why Buffalo has resisted the urge to empty the prospect cupboard for older veterans. If the Sabres decide to stay patient, they can still lean on young players such as Zach Benson, Josh Doan, Jack Quinn, Noah Ostlund, Jiri Kulich and Konsta Helenius. For a team that could remain one of the league’s youngest while still being in the postseason mix, that’s not a bad place to be.
Marchenko fits that timeline, too. At 6-foot-3, he’s in his prime and should keep producing for years. His $3.85 million cap hit for next season is manageable, and he’ll still be a restricted free agent in the 2027 offseason.
Buffalo also has the roster depth to make a move if it wants one. The Sabres have 16 forwards competing for 13 spots, which gives them some flexibility in trade talks.
That matters for Columbus, which does not appear eager to tear everything down if it moves Marchenko. The Blue Jackets also have room under the cap, with $14.5 million available per PuckPedia, so they can absorb additional money if needed.
For now, the likeliest outcome still seems to be Marchenko opening the season in Columbus unless a huge offer changes the picture. There’s no real deadline pressure with his RFA status, and the Jackets could always revisit trade talks next offseason.
Still, Buffalo stands out as one of the few teams that makes real sense here. And with Kekalainen’s history with Marchenko, the Sabres are the kind of team worth watching closely if those talks heat up again before camp.
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