Kirill Marchenko was at the center of the hockey news cycle at the 2026 NHL Draft when a report from ESPN’s Kevin Weekes came out indicating the forward was not willing to sign an extension with the Blue Jackets. On Friday at Training Camp, Marchenko spoke to the media for the first time since that report.
While Marchenko didn’t really say a lot, it was what was not said that stood out.
Key Takeaways
Marchenko tried his best to deflect questions about his future. He is at Blue Jackets camp in preparation for the upcoming season.
Marchenko’s focus remains on the ice. He is letting his representation handle the stuff off the ice.
“I play hockey,” Marchenko said. “Like, I can only talk about hockey. It’s not my side, business side. It’s on Don (Waddell) and Dan (Milstein) and they figure out everything. My goal is to be ready on the ice.”
Multiple attempts were made to get more information out. But it was crystal clear that Marchenko didn’t want to divulge anything but instead opting to keep things quiet as much as possible.
“It’s too many good questions right now,” Marchenko said. I want to play hockey. That’s what I can say right now … My goal (is) to be here eight in the morning, work on the practice, go back home, enjoy time with my wife, with my kids. It’s all I can ask for.”
Marchenko did speak about how hard last season was. But he does see that as a positive moving forward looking at it as a learning experience.
“It’s hard, but it’s good for the future for sure,” Marchenko said. “It’s a mistake on us, on me probably. I don’t have many goals the last 10 games. This mistake makes me better. And I’m happy for that right now and I have another chance.”
Kirill Marchenko was asked if he wants to play hockey in Columbus.
— Mark Scheig (@mark_scheig) September 18, 2026
“I want to play hockey. It’s all I can say right now.”
Video below. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/XRiO6Adv1e
From talking with Marchenko’s teammates and head coach Rick Bowness, everyone has been impressed with the Russian winger and his attitude at this early point in camp.
“He’s been great,” Bowness said of Marchenko. “I had a really good talk with him on Wednesday. I brought him into my office, we had a great sit-down, made it clear how important he is to our team. And I watch him in practice, he’s working. He’s the same Marchy as he was last year.”
“So all this other noise that’s going on, I can’t worry about that. He walks in the locker room, now he’s mine. Now we work together and that’s all I care about. His attitude’s been great. His work ethic in practice has been great.”
“I’ve got absolutely no complaints whatsoever.”
When asked what message Marchenko had for Blue Jackets fans wondering what will happen next, this was what he had to say.
“Enjoy the hockey and don’t think about the future, about everything,” Marchenko said. “I appreciate it, everybody who is coming to the games watching me. (I) love everybody, love to play hockey and love (it) when they’re enjoying (hockey.)”
Marchenko’s message on Friday was simple. The only future he’s willing to discuss is “to be better than last year” plus his family as his wife is expecting. As for the business side, that will be left to Waddell and Milstein to figure out what happens next.
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