3. Kirill Marchenko
Getting Marchenko extended has taken a lot longer than I expected. I'm surprised they didn't get this done weeks ago. After all, this is a budding star player in this league.
For all of the high draft picks and top prospects this team has had over the last few seasons, it's Marchenko - taken in the second round of the 2018 Draft - who has been the only guy to emerge as a legitimate top-six winger.
After starting his North American career in the AHL, Marchenko was called up to Columbus in December of last season. He has not looked back.
In 137 games with the Jackets, he's scored 44 goals and 67 points - with his impressive rookie season well eclipsed by his sophomore year. He scored 23 goals and 19 assists for 42 points this season, finishing third on the team.
Best of all - here's where the star power kicks in - he wasn't happy with his season, and only wants to do better next year. This highlights a work ethic that definitely stands out when he's on the ice. He goes to the corners and wins puck battles like a fourth line player; but he has top-six talent.
To top it all off, he has an infectious personality, and he wants to be a Blue Jacket for the long-term. Seems easy enough to come to an agreement, right?
Well, not so fast ...
With a new GM taking over, it's never easy. Don Waddell has certainly done his due diligence and has admittedly heard good things. But, it's a new guy in a new situation, and from afar, a Marchenko has averaged roughly a half point-per-game; so he still comes with some question marks. So, like with Sillinger, I think they find middle ground on a bridge deal here.
Our guess on Kirill's contract extension: 2 years, $4.5 million AAV bridge deal.
Personally, I think a bridge deal comes back and haunts this team in the long-term. They could lock up Marchenko now for a lower AAV now; but obviously, the risk may not be worth it in Don's eyes. So they likely take a gamble, and probably end up paying him more later.
If you've done the math, the three contracts add up to around $9 million in AAV. That's not going to cripple this team by any means - it would still leave roughly $8 million in space to do other things, such as retaining salary or adding other pieces.
We'll check back on our predictions as each player is extended in the coming days and weeks.