Kirill Marchenko’s first trip back to Columbus is already carrying some heat, and his former teammates aren’t hiding how they feel about it.
The Blue Jackets made it clear they haven’t forgotten how Marchenko forced his way out. The 26-year-old asked for a trade over the summer, and three weeks ago Columbus finally moved him to Toronto in a blockbuster that brought Matthew Knies back the other way. That deal also pulled Montreal into the conversation, with the Canadiens pushing hard for Marchenko before they ultimately stayed away from the names Columbus wanted most.
Frank Seravalli reported that Kent Hughes was prepared to offer five assets, but he would not include Juraj Slafkovsky, Ivan Demidov or Cole Caufield. With that standstill, Toronto landed Marchenko and Columbus got Knies, who is now expected to line up against him when the teams face off.
Marchenko has wasted no time making his presence felt in Toronto. He has 10 points in 10 games, including five on the power play, while carrying a $3.85 million cap hit. Knies, 24, has four points in seven games with the Blue Jackets.
Columbus has also found some chemistry with Knies in the mix. His line with Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson has been the team’s best, and that trio will be matched up against Marchenko’s line in this one.
The reaction from the Blue Jackets has been blunt. Mathieu Olivier didn’t soften the message when asked about his former teammate, saying:
"I really liked Marchy, but he's on the other team now, right? If he doesn't want to be here, he doesn't want to be here, and we don't want guys who want to be somewhere else.
That's fine. Just leave. We don't want you here."
Adam Fantilli and Cole Sillinger also said they were relieved the situation got settled without dragging on.
The whole setup has echoes of Patrik Laine’s visit with the Canadiens on December 23, 2024, when his own comments stirred up a strong response. According to Aaron Portzline, this is the most anticipated return to Columbus since then.
For Columbus, it’s more than just another game. Marchenko wanted out, got his move, and now he’s walking back into an arena that clearly hasn’t forgiven him.
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