Kirill the thrill.
Blue Jackets forward prospect Kirill Marchenko has certainly been a thrill to watch at the AHL level where he's posted eight goals and 10 assists in 15 games.
Marchenko's one timer
— Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) November 12, 2022
: Knazko & @Wally9191 pic.twitter.com/o7lBQQU5Wq
The 22-year-old was selected with the 49th overall pick in the 2018 NHL Draft and is making his North American hockey debut this season.
all about the teamwork on this one
— Cleveland Monsters (@monstershockey) November 6, 2022
: Marchenko
: Bemstrom & Knazko pic.twitter.com/DAfzVqBpJB
Sometimes it takes players time to adjust to the North American style of hockey as well as the ice surface itself. Clearly, that hasn't been the case for Marchenko, who scored 1-1--2 in four preseason games for the Blue Jackets.
#CBJ Marchenko goal pic.twitter.com/OSOMz9CJGP
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) September 28, 2022
Now, the question becomes whether or not we see him in an NHL game in the regular season. Thankfully, the big club has been able to stay relatively healthy since a barrage of injuries plagued the club at the beginning of November, and now that Patrik Laine is set to return, there isn't an urgent need for Marchenko to be called up.
#CBJ Kirill Marchenko goal pic.twitter.com/UCqQk5gGWm
— Coby Maeir (@CobyMaeir) September 16, 2022
That's probably for the best. Let Marchenko shine playing top-line minutes in the AHL which allows him to continue to adjust to the North American game, which he's still relatively new to. It's okay to want to see him play at the NHL level, but I think this is a case where patience is key.
But, at the end of the day, whether or not he gets called up to the Blue Jackets this season, he's still going to generate a ton of excitement for the future based on his play so far in the AHL.
