Kirill Marchenko could soon become a major addition for Marco Sturm as the Bruins push deeper into trade discussions with Columbus.
Boston is reportedly in advanced negotiations with the Blue Jackets, with HockeyyInsiderr reporting the Bruins currently have the strongest offer on the table among several interested clubs.
That changes the temperature around Marchenko. This isn't simply Boston checking on availability or making a preliminary call. The Bruins are being linked to talks that could produce an actual deal.
The timing matters. Marchenko's future in Columbus has already become a major question entering the season, and the 26-year-old winger is approaching restricted free agency next summer.
Boston's interest also isn't new. Elliotte Friedman reported that the Bruins had made an offer for Marchenko at one point, confirming the organization has seriously explored what it would take to get him.
@BlueJacketsNHL
and
@NHLBruins
are in advanced negotiations for a deal which would send Marchenko to Boston . Being told that while other teams remain involved, Boston has by far the best offer on the table and a deal could be made sooner rather than later.
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Now the latest report pushes the situation another step forward. If Boston truly owns the strongest offer, Columbus has a potential path to move Marchenko rather than allowing uncertainty around his future to follow the club into the season.
Marchenko could dramatically reshape Boston's top six
For the Bruins, acquiring Marchenko would represent another aggressive swing at their forward group. Boston already added JJ Peterka, but Marchenko would give Sturm another dangerous winger capable of playing significant top-six minutes.
Marchenko produced 27 goals and 67 points in 76 games last season. Those aren't depth numbers. Boston would be pursuing a player capable of immediately taking on meaningful offensive responsibility.
The question is what Boston must surrender. Columbus isn't positioned to simply give away a productive 26-year-old winger, especially with multiple clubs showing interest.
Friedman has also indicated that the Blue Jackets aren't particularly interested in building a return around futures. That could force Boston into a much more uncomfortable conversation involving established NHL talent or premium young players.
And that's where these negotiations become serious for the Bruins. Landing Marchenko could strengthen Boston immediately, but the acquisition price could alter another part of Sturm's roster.
Nothing is completed yet, and Columbus still controls the process. But Boston reportedly holding the strongest offer puts the Bruins much closer to the center of the Marchenko situation than a routine trade rumor would suggest.
If the Blue Jackets decide the time has arrived to move him, Boston appears positioned to be directly involved in the final push.
Should the Bruins pay a major price to acquire Kirill Marchenko?
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