The Cannon’s 2019 top 25 under 25 rolls on today with #16: Kirill Marchenko
Voting
16th out of 34 eligible players
Writers’ Vote: 14th
Readers’ Vote: 18th
Highest Placement: 6th (1 vote)
Most Common Placement: 14th (10 votes)
2018 rank: 31st
Biography
Birthdate: July 21, 2000
Birthplace: Barnaul, Russia
Height: 6’3”
Weight: 187 lbs
Position: Right wing
Acquired: Drafted by Columbus in Round 2 of the 2018 NHL Draft (#49 overall)
2018-19 Season
Marchenko, a member of the SKA St. Petersburg system in the KHL, spent the 2018-19 season split between the MHL and VHL affiliates of SKA. In 23 games in the VHL (the second division), Marchenko put up 2-1-3 in 23 games. In the MHL, he registered 6-13-19 in 15 games and was named to the MHL All Star Game. Marchenko also notched one goal in seven games at the U20 world junior championships as Russia won the bronze medal.
2019-20 Forecast
Marchenko, a sizeable winger with great skill and speed, will spend his next season in Russia. At just 19 years old, he will be expected to take a big step in the VHL, solidify his scoring abilities and continue developing his defensive skills, reportedly his biggest weakness in his game.
Marchenko has work to do before he ready to come over and contend for a spot with the Blue Jackets, but he is on his way. The skilled junior winger will be tasked with continuing his development and improving his defensive skills this year.
Look for Marchenko to make a jump this season and perhaps solidify his time in the MHL with some KHL appearances.