The Columbus Blue Jackets are preparing for the upcoming 2026-27 NHL season. It was a bit of a wild offseason in Central Ohio this summer. Zach Werenski was nearly traded, and Kirill Marchenko reportedly won't re-sign. The latter topic became a central focal point for Columbus ahead of the new season.

Marchenko spoke with reporters on Friday when he was asked about his future. He was asked about whether he enjoyed playing hockey in Columbus, and the star winger dodged the question. He is not looking to reveal too much about his thoughts on the matter.

“I want to play hockey. That’s what I can say right now. I don’t want to give you guys a lot of things. I love my teammates, I love to enjoy the practices, enjoy the hockey … it’s my favorite thing in the world, I just do my job,” the star winger said, via Aaron Portzline of The Athletic.

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Marchenko has emerged as one of the best players on the Blue Jackets. This past season, he helped them contend for a spot in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. Columbus fell short, but Marchenko certainly did his part. He scored 27 goals and 67 points for Columbus in 2025-26.

The Blue Jackets star is signed through the 2026-27 campaign. On July 1, 2027, he becomes a restricted free agent. In 2028, he will become an unrestricted free agent.

Columbus will certainly need to figure out some sort of resolution sooner rather than later. For now, they need to focus on the final preparations for the upcoming 2026-27 season.