Kirill Marchenko's NHL career may be on the horizon.
According to a report from Russian publication Sport-Express, the Blue Jackets are set to sign forward Kirill Marchenko to a two-year NHL contract.
Because Marchenko's current deal with SKA (KHL) doesn't expire until April 30, his contract with Columbus will take effect with the 2022-23 NHL season and can't be officially signed until May 1. Regardless, it appears as though GM Jarmo Kekalainen's long wait for Marchenko is over – and he will be joining the Blue Jackets for the start of next season.
According to SE, striker Kirill Marchenko will soon sign a two-year rookie contract with Columbus. The agreement will come into effect from the beginning of the 2022/23 season.
Marchenko's KHL career has been watched closely, as he's developed from a raw prospect into a 6-foot-2 power forward who can put the puck in the net.
This season with SKA, Marchenko scored 12 goals in 39 games. A year ago, he had a career-best campaign with SKA at age 20, scoring 15 goals in 41 games while adding three goals in the club's postseason run.
Marchenko was the Blue Jackets' second-round pick (No. 49 overall) in 2018.
