Player Discussion: Kirill Marchenko thread

[Napoli]

Marchenko has been one of the most impressive forwards this year. One thing that he has gotten really good at is forechecking down low. That has really changed his game for the better. He's also an underrated playmaker, that pass for Fantilli last night was sublime. Kirill is also a great locker room presence, he's a big part of the future core.

 

[tunnelvision]

I also think he's looked better off-puck this year and I am a fan, but if he is a 1st line wing and puts up 70+ points in each year of his 3-year deal, I'd like to see more line driving ability in his game before deciding whether it will be worth it to re-sign him in 2027 or not. I feel his current production seems to be dependent on linemates and he still hasn't proved to be consistently good defensively.

But if through the next 3 years he'll be more or less the same player he's been this year, it was a mistake by Waddell to not offer a longer contract last summer.

 

[Xoggz22]

While it's way to early to plant the flag that this is Marchenko long term, I have to laugh at those that felt he was expendable and shouldn't be signed long term. Amazing what a different system and coach does. This appears to be an actual team and an aggressive one at that. He needed that push to get where he is. Same with KJ, Chinny and Fantilli (i know there are others too). I don't konw that I expected a PPG type player but I did expect a jump from him. I expected that last year but it did not happen

 

[VT]