Kirill Marchenko of the Columbus Blue Jackets is rapidly emerging as a star in the National Hockey League. The 25-year-old right winger is showcasing his offensive prowess and solidifying his place as a core player for the Blue Jackets.

Since joining the Blue Jackets for the 2022-23 season, Marchenko has consistently improved each year. His rookie season highlighted his goal-scoring ability, with 21 goals in 59 games. In the following season, he increased his assist total from four to 19, while upping his goal total to 23 in 78 games. The 2024-25 season saw Marchenko reach new heights, scoring 31 goals and achieving a near point-per-game pace with 74 points in 79 games. He became the third player in Blue Jackets history to record a 30-goal, 70-point season, joining Rick Nash and Nick Foligno.

"Kirill Marchenko has been an important player for the Blue Jackets during his first two NHL seasons and reaching an agreement to keep him in Columbus was important to us,” said Blue Jackets General Manager Don Waddell in July 2024, when Marchenko signed a three-year, $11.55 million contract. “He has size, skill and the ability to score goals and will continue to be a big part of our core group moving forward."

Marchenko's hot start to the 2025-26 season has further solidified his trajectory toward stardom. In the first five games, he has already scored five goals. This includes a hat trick against the Minnesota Wild. Marchenko is currently riding a five-game point streak, with his only pointless game being the season opener against the Nashville Predators, despite registering eight shots on goal.

In a game against the Colorado Avalanche, Marchenko was held without a shot but still contributed an assist on Ivan Provorov's goal. As of October 19, 2025, Marchenko leads the Blue Jackets in both goals and points.

Marchenko's journey to the NHL began when he was drafted by Columbus in the second round (49th overall) of the 2018 NHL Draft. After developing in Russia, including playing in the Kontinental Hockey League (KHL), he signed a two-year, entry-level contract with the Blue Jackets in May 2022. He has also represented Russia in international tournaments, winning a bronze medal at the 2019 IIHF World Junior Championship and a silver medal at the 2020 World Juniors.

Standing at 6'3" and weighing around 200 pounds, Marchenko possesses the size and skill to excel in the NHL. His ability to score goals, combined with his improving playmaking skills, makes him a valuable asset to the Blue Jackets.

On October 18, 2025, Marchenko scored early in the third period to help the Blue Jackets defeat the Tampa Bay Lightning 3-2, securing their first home win of the season and snapping a three-game losing streak.

With his continued development and impressive performances, Kirill Marchenko is not only becoming a key player for the Columbus Blue Jackets but also a player on the verge of achieving national stardom in the NHL.