Kirill Marchenko and Kirby Dach emerge as prime early-season trade targets

With the 2026-27 NHL regular season fast approaching, two forwards have quickly become central figures in trade speculation: Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Kirby Dach of the Montreal Canadiens. Both situations involve multiple potential suitors and steep acquisition costs that could shape the early trade market.

Blue Jackets set high bar in any Kirill Marchenko deal

Marchenko, 26, has been the subject of off-season chatter after reports surfaced that he was not interested in signing a contract extension in Columbus. His guarded answers when questioned earlier this month only fuelled uncertainty about his long-term future with the Blue Jackets.

Sportsnet’s Nick Kypreos placed Marchenko on his first trade board of the season, suggesting the Montreal Canadiens, Toronto Maple Leafs and Edmonton Oilers all have interest in adding the goal-scoring winger. Fellow insider Elliotte Friedman also pointed to the Canadiens and Maple Leafs as possible landing spots, noting that the Boston Bruins are believed to have made an offer at some point. Friedman further speculated that the low-scoring Seattle Kraken could enter the mix and said he had heard mixed information about the level of interest from the Vegas Golden Knights.

Any pursuit is complicated by Columbus’ demands. General manager Don Waddell has made it clear he is not chasing draft picks and prospects, instead seeking a comparable forward who can step into the lineup and help immediately. That stance narrows the list of realistic bidders and makes it difficult for clubs with limited roster flexibility.

Salary cap pressure adds another layer. Terry Koshan of the Toronto Sun questioned how the Maple Leafs could trade for Marchenko and still afford his next contract, given they already have $105 million committed against a projected $113.5 million cap for 2027-28. Marchenko’s current deal carries a $3.9‑million cap hit, and he will become a restricted free agent with arbitration rights next summer. Koshan suggested that if Marchenko hits the 30‑goal mark again, his camp could push for an average annual value in the neighbourhood of $12 million.

Koshan argued that Columbus would likely ask Toronto for winger Matthew Knies in any deal, but he does not see Marchenko as a clear upgrade on Knies, who is younger, locked in long term at a lower number and projected to keep pace offensively. In Boston, Kevin Paul Dupont of The Boston Globe believes the cost would start with a young centre such as Fraser Minten or James Hagens, plus a first-round pick and another asset, potentially defenceman Mason Lohrei or more.

Oilers’ interest in Kirby Dach raises debate in Montreal and Edmonton

While Marchenko’s name dominates one side of the rumour mill, Kirby Dach’s situation in Montreal is drawing its own attention. Dach’s development has been disrupted by injuries, and those setbacks have limited both his availability and production, raising questions about his long-term fit with the Canadiens.

Despite that, NHL insider Frank Seravalli reported that several teams have inquired about the 25-year-old, highlighting the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames as particularly interested clubs. Seravalli said the Oilers’ interest "borders on drooling," pointing out that general manager Stan Bowman originally drafted Dach in 2019 while running the Chicago Blackhawks and believes injuries have masked his true potential.

Not everyone in Edmonton is convinced it would be a wise gamble. Kurt Leavins of the Edmonton Journal urged caution from Bowman, arguing that Dach’s injury history and uneven NHL trajectory make him a risky target, even if his upside is appealing for a team looking to add skill up front.

For now, both Marchenko and Dach remain with their current clubs, and no deals appear imminent. But as the season begins and needs become clearer around the league, their names are poised to stay near the top of general managers’ call sheets.