After goals in back-to-back games including the first goal in the Blue Jackets' 4-1 win over the Avalanche on Monday, Kirill Marchenko is up to 20 goals for the second-straight season to start his career. He became the second player in franchise history to score 20 goals in each of his first two seasons in the NHL, per Stathead, joining Pierre-Luc Dubois.
Out on the rush, and into the net!
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) April 2, 2024
Kirill Marchenko turns a 3-on-3 rush up the ice into a 1-0 lead for the @BlueJacketsNHL midway through the second period. With the tally, Marchenko has reached the 20-goal plateau in back-to-back seasons.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/xz4u3czofj
After scoring 21 goals in 59 games as a rookie in 2022-23, the 20 goals in 74 games he's posted this season may be seen as a disappointment, but it shouldn't be. The league has adjusted to him, but he's still able to produce at a decent rate.
Out on the rush, and into the net!
— Bally Sports Columbus (@BallySportsCBUS) April 2, 2024
Kirill Marchenko turns a 3-on-3 rush up the ice into a 1-0 lead for the @BlueJacketsNHL midway through the second period. With the tally, Marchenko has reached the 20-goal plateau in back-to-back seasons.#CBJ pic.twitter.com/xz4u3czofj
Marchenko went the first seven games of this season without scoring, but then he heated up, posting 13 goals in his next 24 games. That was followed by a cold spell that saw him score just four goals in 33 games. However, he's bounced back with three goals in his last seven contests.
A pending restricted free agent at the end of the season, Marchenko is set for a raise in the off-season. A young goal-scoring winger is a valuable player in this league, so it'll be interesting to see how the negotiations play out this summer. It should be noted that Marchenko is eligible to receive an offer sheet from another team.
Will he sign a bridge deal or a long-term contract?
