Blue Jackets ‘happy’ to have Marchenko saga end before season starts

COLUMBUS -- Kirill Marchenko was a fun-loving teammate who scored a lot of goals for the Columbus Blue Jackets, but former teammates said the forward’s desire to play elsewhere had become a distraction that they're glad is over with his trade to the Toronto Maple Leafs on Monday.

“You can kind of tell that (Marchenko) didn't really want to be here and we didn’t need that hanging over us to start the year off,” Blue Jackets defenseman Zach Werenski said on Tuesday. “I wish him all the best. I'm happy it's done before the season, for sure.”

Marchenko, 26, was traded to the Maple Leafs as part of a six-player deal, with forward Matthew Knies, 23, being the key for Columbus.

Agent Dan Milstein indicated in June that Marchenko, who could have become a restricted free agent after this season, would not re-sign with Columbus.

On Sept. 18, Marchenko would not commit to staying with the Blue Jackets when asked by the media.

Columbus general manager Don Waddell said Marchenko never gave a reason why he wanted out. Forward Mathieu Olivier said that after Marchenko’s interview with the media he talked with his teammate and gave an explanation, although Olivier would not disclose it to reporters Tuesday.

“We're moving on and we want guys that want to be here, so we're excited, really excited, for the start of the season,” Olivier said.

Blue Jackets coach Rick Bowness also was happy to see the saga end. Marchenko has 208 points (102 goals, 106 assists) in 292 NHL games, all with Columbus.

“You want every player to want to be here, that they want to be part of the solution. That's true for every team,” Bowness said. “So, if you don't want to be here, and then clearly you've got one foot out the door so you can't get that 100 percent commitment, I get it. He wanted to move on.

“We gave him that opportunity, and it's a great deal for both teams. We're getting a big power forward who wants to be here, who wants to be part of the solution, and that's what we want.”

Knies had 160 points (67 goals, 93 assists) in 240 regular-season games and 14 points (eight goals, six assists) in 27 Stanley Cup Playoff games with Toronto.

He’s a power forward (6-foot-3, 227 pounds) who will add even more physicality to the Blue Jackets’ heavy lineup. Columbus opens its season at home against the Buffalo Sabres on Thursday (7 p.m. ET; CBJHN, CBJNHL, MSG-B). 

“I think he's going to love it,” Olivier said. “It’s going to be paradise for him. I think he fits exactly into what we're trying to do. We're trying to build something here that everyone's bought into. There's no doing my own thing, being on their own page. It's really everyone buying into the same thing and Knies coming in, that's going to accomplish that.”

Knies said he’s glad to be on the other side after playing against the Blue Jackets. 

“I think it was always hell going into play against these guys, with how strong and fast they are,” Knies said. “I think a lot of this team is built on physical components and just how they can outmuscle and outstrength, outskate every team that comes in there to play.

“I think that kind of just fits my playing style, and excited to join a group that's reluctant to play against like that.”

Center Adam Fantilli was slated to have Marchenko on his line but said the Blue Jackets were left no choice but to trade him.

“As much as I love playing with (Marchenko) -- he's super smart, skilled, just a fun guy to be around -- but we want guys that want to play for the Jackets and guys that want to win here, and it sucks that it wasn't (Marchenko)," he said.