An ideal trade candidate for the NY Islanders may soon be hitting the market

There’s no question that the NY Islanders are looking to improve their goal scoring this offseason, and with the free agent market not having much firepower this summer, the most realistic way to improve is through a trade.

We know Mathieu Darche has done his due diligence on players like Jordan Kyrou, but today, Frank Seravalli of Hockey 24/7 reported that teams are making their inquiries on Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets.

“Teams have been calling Columbus GM Don Waddell about Marchenko for the last couple weeks, his name percolating in the rumor mill. And while the Blue Jackets are not actively seeking to move Marchenko, a burgeoning star that will be incredibly difficult to replace, that hasn’t stopped teams from wondering whether he’s actually interested in extending in Columbus this summer.”

Marchenko, 25, is entering the final season of a three-year deal worth $3.85M, becoming a restricted free agent next summer.

Last season, Marchenko potted 27 goals, adding 40 assists in 76 games. The season prior, he had the best production of his career, scoring 31 times and adding 43 assists.

Like the Islanders, the Blue Jackets faltered down the stretch after battling all season to get themselves back into playoff contention. Marchenko will be looking for a massive pay raise before the start of the 2027-28 season, and Columbus may not be willing to pay that price if they don’t feel they can compete.

One of Darche’s goals before the trade deadline was to make a deal but hold onto his top prospects, as he did with the Brayden Schenn deal. In a deal for Marchenko, he’d likely need to give up either Kashawn Aitcheson or Victor Eklund, this year's 13th overall pick, and possibly more.

While Columbus isn’t actively shopping Marchenko, Waddell is listening to offers, as he should, similar to the Mat Barzal rumors.

At 6'3” and capable of filling the net, Marchenko would be an ideal winger on the Islanders' top line, with the price to pay likely being well worth jt

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