Over the weekend, there was plenty of chatter around Columbus Blue Jackets winger Kirill Marchenko, who reportedly told the club earlier this offseason he doesn’t intend to sign an extension when he becomes eligible next summer.
Another report surfaced on Saturday suggesting that Marchenko is on the verge of being traded by the Blue Jackets, with the Montreal Canadiens appearing as the most likely suitor. However, cold water has now been thrown on the trade rumors, as there’s no indication that Marchenko will be on the move soon after all.
More in the links for the reality of Marchenko’s situation in Columbus.
In Blackhawks news, four prospects are set to appear in the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase, which got underway on Sunday in Windsor, Ontario.
Around the league, Duncan Keith will join Marian Hossa on the ice for some fun in a few weeks, more rumors on Cutter Gauthier’s desired price tag, and the biggest on-ice villains in every team’s franchise history.
All that & more in the Daily!
Blackhawks Offseason, News & Trade Rumors
Chicago Hockey Now: Just one day after the news broke, Patrick Kane spoke with the media and shared some insight on how his return to the Chicago Blackhawks became possible this summer. Kane also talked about potentially playing wing on Connor Bedard’s line, why he ultimately chose the Blackhawks in free agency, and how he plans to impact the team on and off the ice. Hit the link for a fun read.
More CHN: Some external media sources claimed the Blackhawks severely overpaid for a reunion with Kane, as the 37-year-old signed a two-year deal that carries an $8 million cap hit and a full no-movement clause. While the deal is admittedly a little rich for Kane’s services, it won’t impact the team’s long-term financial plans whatsoever.
In Blackhawks prospects news, the 2026 World Junior Summer Showcase kicked off on Sunday, and four of the organization’s recent draft picks are in attendance. 2026 second-round picks Xavier Villeneuve and Ryan Roobroeck received invites from Hockey Canada, and 2026 third-round pick Samu Alalauri got one from Finland. 2025 first-round pick Mason West is also representing the United States.
West suited up for USA White’s squad on Sunday against Finland, where he centered the team’s fourth line. Alalauri unfortunately didn’t dress for Finland due to an illness. West failed to record a point in a 4-1 loss to the Finns.
Lastly, Blackhawks Hall of Fame defenseman Duncan Keith will officially join former teammate Marian Hossa in Zdeno Chara’s farewell game in Slovakia in late August. There will be a star-studded cast of players on the ice for “Zee’s Final Shift”.
NHL Trade Talk, News, & National Hockey Now
The Athletic: Every good story needs a villain. Does every good NHL team need one, too? The Athletic’s Staff goes through the biggest on-ice agitators in league history, with Dino Ciccarelli getting named the greatest villain for the Blackhawks.
TSN: Amidst all the Kirill Marchenko trade news, another source has stated the Columbus Blue Jackets haven’t taken calls on the Russian winger since earlier in the summer. The 24-year-old is set to be a restricted free agent next July, but it seems unlikely he’ll be on the move before the 2026-27 season starts.
NHLtraderumors.me: Anaheim Ducks RFA forward Cutter Gauthier initially entered the summer wanting $10-11 million per year on his second contract. However, after seeing what Leo Carlsson signed for, Gauthier is reportedly seeking around $15 million, which won’t make life pleasant for GM Pat Verbeek.
New Jersey Hockey Now: General manager Sunny Mehta made it clear that Jack Hughes’ situation with the New Jersey Devils isn’t high on his list of concerns. Instead of worrying about Jack possibly departing the Devils in four years to team up with his older brother, Quinn, Mehta is genuinely excited about having him locked in for the time being.
San Jose Hockey Now: The San Jose Sharks have re-made their defense this offseason, but how much better is it than last year? Sheng Peng from SJHN spoke with four NHL scouts, none with the Sharks, for their assessment of the blue line entering the 2026-27 season.
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The post Jack’s Daily: Marchenko Rumors; Summer Showcase Starts; Keith Suiting Up appeared first on Chicago Hockey Now.
