Blue Jackets re-sign Marchenko to 3-year deal with $3.85M AAV

The Columbus Blue Jackets and restricted free-agent winger Kirill Marchenko avoided arbitration with a three-year contract carrying an average annual value of $3.85 million, the team announced Sunday.

The 24-year-old will be an RFA at the end of the contract before he can become an unrestricted free agent in 2028.

Marchenko has become a reliable goal-scorer for the Blue Jackets since entering the league in 2022-23. He potted 21 goals in 59 games as a rookie before recording 23 goals in 78 contests in 2023-24.

The Blue Jackets drafted the 6-foot-3 winger 49th overall in 2018.

Cole Sillinger is Columbus' last notable remaining RFA. The team also re-signed Kent Johnson to a three-year pact on Saturday.