Marchenko Trade Rumors Flare Then Fade on July 26

Dan Milstein labeled July 26 trade rumors about Kirill Marchenko as either 10 percent true or zero percent true.

Morning Reports Spark Speculation

Aaron Portzline reported that Columbus had taken no calls on Marchenko since early summer. The same report placed current activity at zero despite earlier interest from other clubs. Mark Scheig added that nothing new had surfaced by Sunday morning despite the volume of social-media claims.

Marco D’Amico confirmed Montreal’s interest only if talks advanced, yet noted the Canadiens and Blue Jackets had not spoken recently because of summer vacations. The original report that triggered the wave merely referenced the possibility without new sourcing. Three teams were named in circulation, with Montreal and Utah listed as the clearest frontrunners.

David Ettedgui described Marchenko as a 6-foot-3 top-six winger capable of 25-to-30 goals. He noted the forward could pair with Ivan Demidov but stressed acquisition cost would decide any deal. No numbers for a potential return were attached to the claims.

Agent Denials Halt Momentum

Hockeyy Insiderr claimed Montreal received permission to contact agent Dan Milstein about an extension ahead of a possible trade. Milstein replied that the reporting lacked any factual basis and was built only on speculation for engagement. The exchange occurred within hours of the initial wave.

Portzline’s follow-up reinforced that Columbus had remained quiet since the earlier window closed. D’Amico reiterated that nothing was imminent once the vacation period ended. The three-team mix therefore stayed at the level of named interest rather than active negotiation.

Timeline Shows Limited Progress

Rumors first appeared on Saturday with Ettedgui’s three-team outline. Sunday brought both the permission-to-speak claim and immediate rebuttals from the agent. By late Sunday no club had confirmed discussions or a framework.

Columbus’s stance of limited outreach since early summer remained unchanged. Montreal’s interest was acknowledged but described as conditional on future developments. Utah’s involvement stayed at the same speculative tier as the other unnamed third team.

The sequence produced no movement on July 26 and left Marchenko under contract in Columbus.