Blue Jackets Lock Core While Blackhawks Hunt Bedard Wing

GM Don Waddell confirmed Kirill Marchenko will open the 2026-27 season as a Blue Jacket after recent discussions with his agent.

Blue Jackets Retain Key Pieces

Don Waddell directly addressed Kirill Marchenko’s future and stated the forward will remain in Columbus when the season starts. The announcement followed private talks between the general manager and Marchenko’s agent. This decision prevents any potential offer-sheet scenario similar to recent cases around the league.

Zach Werenski also committed to staying with the Blue Jackets after expressing his desire to remain in Columbus during contract negotiations. Waddell noted the two players operated under different circumstances despite both remaining with the team. The retention of these assets provides roster stability heading into training camp.

Waddell contrasted the situations by emphasizing Werenski’s clear and passionate preference to stay versus the separate agent discussions involving Marchenko. Columbus avoided losing either player to free agency or external offers this offseason. The moves signal a focus on continuity rather than major roster turnover.

The decisions limit Columbus options for immediate cap flexibility but preserve two established contributors for the upcoming campaign. Marchenko posted consistent production in prior seasons while Werenski anchored the blue line. Retaining both reduces the need for rushed replacements in 2026.

Blackhawks Still Seek Bedard Support

The Chicago Blackhawks acquired defenseman Bowen Byram and signed him to a six-year contract yet still lack a proven winger for Connor Bedard. Byram’s addition improves puck movement from the back end and leverages his existing friendship with Bedard. The team listed internal candidates including Nick Lards, Frank Nazar, Anton Frondell, Oliver Moore, Ryan Green and Tyler Bertuzzi after Roman Kantserov.

Kyle Davidson noted external targets such as Mavrik Bourque moved from Dallas while Jordan Kyrou left St. Louis and JJ Peterka and Pavel Dorofeyev also changed teams. Matthew Knies carried an extremely high asking price from Toronto. Mason Marchment signed a deal worth 6.75 million dollars with the San Jose Sharks further thinning the market.

Anthony Mantha represents one remaining external option after recording a career-high 64 points yet his inconsistency limits appeal. The Blackhawks have explored multiple avenues without finalizing a fit for Bedard’s line. Each missed external acquisition narrows the window for immediate impact additions.

Outlook For Both Franchises

Columbus gains short-term certainty by securing Marchenko and Werenski while Chicago must continue evaluating remaining internal and trade options. The thin free-agent pool after recent signings forces Davidson to weigh future draft assets against current production. Bedard’s development timeline now depends on whether suitable wing support arrives before the season opens or later via deadline deals.

The contrasting approaches highlight different phases of roster construction with Columbus prioritizing retention and Chicago still filling critical forward gaps. Without an addition the Blackhawks risk another season where Bedard carries disproportionate offensive responsibility.